Antalya Launches Smart Tracking Of Tempayan Turtles Threatened With Extinction

Illustration of loggerhead turtles. (Wikimedia Common/National Institute of Standards and Technology)

JAKARTA - Two loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta) named "Flora" and "Fauna" were released into the sea in the context of the Marine Turtle Research, Monitoring and Conservation Project in Antalya, Turkey.

This project is a collaboration between the Directorate General of Natural and National Park Conservation, the Ecological Research Association (EKAD), and the TryptoPRAG Metal Mining. As part of this initiative, satellite tracking devices were mounted on the two turtles on the beach where they lay eggs in Manavgat Kmenaz Badminton.

After the signing, Flora and Fauna were released into the sea from the Ulualan General Beach.

Using newly developed mobile apps and web-based platforms, this exciting turtle journey will be recorded through this device, which allows their migration routes to be tracked on the map.

The main goal of this tracking is to contribute to the creation of this detailed migration map for endangered turtles.

Chairman of the EKAD Council Dr. Ali Fuat Canbolat emphasized the importance of protecting sea turtles for the ecosystem. He said data collected from satellite devices is very important for conservation efforts.

"With this satellite device, we will study winter venues, dining areas, and caretta caretta migration routes. Protecting these turtles in their marine habitat is also important," said Canbolat.

Meanwhile, the Environment and Sustainability Manager of TryptoPRAG Jale Badminton, Ate Badminton, shared insights from last year's satellite tagging of two other caretta caretta turtles named "Altmen" and "Göm\"cite."

He revealed that they had been monitoring these turtles for more than a year, stressing the importance of obtaining information about endangered species.

"K04zdialot is the largest nesting site in the Mediterranean. We have a responsibility for the future. We have organized educational programs on turtle conservation in local schools and tourism business actors," he explained.

The release of the loggerhead turtle also features a photo exhibition of caretta caretta and other marine life taken by the documentary filmmaker and underwater cinematographer Tahsin Ceylan providing detailed information about turtles and marine animals to the participants.