Abstract

This study investigates the nesting of Caretta caretta in the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean), focusing on embryo development, nest success rates, and the impact of anthropogenic activities. Ten Loggerhead turtle nests discovered between 2020 and 2023 were assessed. Clutch sizes (Mean 85 eggs and St.Dev. ± 14) and nest success rates (Mean 59% and St.Dev. ± 26.7) in these islands were found to be comparable to those in Sicily and Libya, but lower than those in Greece. Clutch sizes may be affected by anthropogenic disturbance where some female turtles seek different nest sites to lay their eggs. The variation in success rates may be attributed to various factors including temperature, heavy rainfall and anthropogenic disturbance. Unhatched embryos were often in the final stages of development when excavated 2 days after first emerging nestlings, underscoring the importance of waiting at least ten days after the first emergence of hatchlings before excavating nests to avoid disturbing potentially viable developing eggs. Morphometric comparative analysis of body-part ratios of remaining dead nestlings revealed various statistically significant differences among specimens from different nests derived from different parents, while no differences were observed among specimens from nests produced by the same parents, as discovered by separate genetic studies. This research highlights the critical need for increased turtle nest research and management to improve the reproductive success and conservation of Caretta caretta.