Nesting of marine turtles on the Egyptian beaches of the Red Sea

Nesting of two species; the hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricate and the green turtle Chelonia mydas on the Egyptian beaches of the Red Sea were studied. The nesting seasons were extended from May to July with a peak in June for the hawksbill and from June to August with a peak in July for the green turtle. Separate nesting grounds for both species with minimum overlap were observed. In total, 38 beaches were surveyed and classified according to the density of nests and tracks. Out of the 38 surveyed beaches, 8 totally offshore beaches were classified as valuable nesting grounds for the hawksbill and 14 beaches for green turtles (inshore and offshore sites). The quantitative estimation of nesting level (i.e. density of nests and tracks) indicated that there are 3 most valuable nesting offshore beaches for the hawksbill and 8 sites for the green turtle (3 inshore and 5 offshore). During 2001-2008, the nesting activities were estimated quantitatively based on the density of true and false nests as well as the dimensions of tracks, nests and female turtle at the most valuable nesting sites (Small and Big Giftun Islands for hawksbill, Zabarged Island, Ras Bagdadi and Umm El-Abas, for green turtles). Hatching percentages, clutch sizes as well as egg and hatchling sizes for both species were estimated.