Sea Turtles in Algerian waters
Three species of sea turtles have been reported in Algerian waters, with two confirmed and one that requires further confirmation. All of them are considered endangered in the Mediterranean.
The Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most common and is frequently found both offshore and near the coast, particularly during the spring and summer.
The Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is a migratory species that feeds in the open sea. It is not commonly seen in the Mediterranean, but has been reported several times in Algeria.
The Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) has been reported recently, between 2017-2019, but this sighting requires further confirmation. Green sea turtles are known to be phytophagous, meaning they primarily eat plants.
There are no confirmed nesting areas for sea turtles along the Algerian coast. However, a loggerhead sea turtle nest was recorded for the first time in Algeria on the Tamanart beach (Skikda) in 2020.
They are more common in the western and central regions of the country compared to the eastern part.
Reference: Ministère de l'Environnement et des Énergies Renouvelables en Algérie. (2023). Programme national de surveillance de la biodiversité et des espèces non-indigènes marines en Algérie. Retrieved from https://www.me.gov.dz/telechargement/programme-national-de-surveillance-de-la-biodiversite-et-des-especes-non-indigenes-marines-en-algerie/
Three species of sea turtles have been reported in Algerian waters, with two confirmed and one that requires further confirmation. All of them are considered endangered in the Mediterranean.
The Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most common and is frequently found both offshore and near the coast, particularly during the spring and summer.
The Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is a migratory species that feeds in the open sea. It is not commonly seen in the Mediterranean, but has been reported several times in Algeria.
The Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) has been reported recently, between 2017-2019, but this sighting requires further confirmation. Green sea turtles are known to be phytophagous, meaning they primarily eat plants.
There are no confirmed nesting areas for sea turtles along the Algerian coast. However, a loggerhead sea turtle nest was recorded for the first time in Algeria on the Tamanart beach (Skikda) in 2020.
They are more common in the western and central regions of the country compared to the eastern part.
Reference: Ministère de l'Environnement et des Énergies Renouvelables en Algérie. (2023). Programme national de surveillance de la biodiversité et des espèces non-indigènes marines en Algérie. Retrieved from https://www.me.gov.dz/telechargement/programme-national-de-surveillance-de-la-biodiversite-et-des-especes-non-indigenes-marines-en-algerie/