Loggerhead Turtles, Zakynthos, Greece

One of the world's endangered species, the Loggerhead Turtle, requires the beaches of Zakynthos to lay its eggs.

Unfortunately the increase in tourism, particularly the use of beaches by man, and the proliferation of artificial light, is having serious effects on the Loggerhead Population.

The infant turtles use the moon to guide them to the sea; if the inland lights are stronger they get confused.

A great step forward in their protection occurred when on the 1st of December 1999 the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (N.M.P.Z) was formally established by Presidential Decree.