Rare Wildlife Thrives in Cyprus’s Western Sovereign Base Area

 A Conservation Success Story

The stunning cliffs between RAF Akrotiri and British Forces Episkopi have become a vital haven for some of the world’s most remarkable and endangered species. This unique region is home to the last remaining breeding colony of Griffon Vultures and the equally rare Eleanora’s Falcon. But that’s not all – thanks to dedicated conservation volunteers, the local beaches have also become crucial nesting grounds for two of the planet’s most endangered turtle species.

Nestled within the Western Sovereign Base Area in Cyprus, this area teems with rare wildlife that can only be found here. It stands as one of the most environmentally-sensitive regions on the island, boasting an impressive record of 260 distinct bird species alongside hundreds of rare plant varieties.

A Loggerhead turtle hatchling making for the sea © Travelscape Images/ALAMY

At the heart of this conservation success story is the Turtle Watch project. Led by RAF personnel, this initiative plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the breeding beaches and young of the Green and Loggerhead Turtles, two of the world’s most imperilled turtle species.  The volunteers’ dedication is evident year-round, as they diligently clear debris from the beaches, organise vigilant patrols to locate and shield turtle nests, and take proactive measures to safeguard these nests from both natural predators and human interference.

An adult turtle in the shallows near the Western Sovereign Base in Cyprus © Ken Winslade 

Nearly there. Hatchlings making for the sea in the Western Sovereign Base. Their enemies on the beach include crabs, gulls and other birds. In the sea they face octopus and larger fish predators. © Independent/ALAMY

The project takes on significant undertakings to curb beach erosion, essential for maintaining the integrity of these critical habitats. Moreover, it also plays a vital role in raising awareness within local communities about the pivotal role turtles play in the ecosystem.

What began as small-scale efforts in 1991 and 1996 have since evolved into a major conservation initiative. Today, Turtle Watch engages university researchers, hundreds of RAF personnel and their families, as well as local Greek and Cypriot neighbours. The impact of this effort was recognised with a Sanctuary Magazine Award in 2004, and the RAF received commendation from the House of Commons in 2007 for its resolute support to this crucial endeavour. A total of 172 Green and Loggerhead turtle nests were identified in 2022 within the Western and Eastern Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) and at Akrotiri, Episkopi and Dhekelia

Flight Sergeant Ken Winslade, a dedicated Air Traffic Controller at Akrotiri, has been a steadfast advocate for Turtle Watch since 2014. As the Officer in Charge of the project since 2019, he leads a dedicated team of around 40 volunteers who comb the beaches of the Western Sovereign Base Area between May and August each year during the turtle breeding season. Their mission: to locate and protect turtle tracks, confirm the presence of nests, and carefully shield them with protective cages. Over the course of about 50 days, they anxiously await the hatching of the eggs, conducting post-hatching excavations to assess success rates.

Ken notes, “Volunteers range from Air Specialist (Class 1) up to Wing Commander, along with spouses of serving personnel, civil servants and teachers. The walks are conducted early in the morning either before work or on days off. All walks have to be completed by 0800 to allow the wardens and I time to check all the tracks before the heat of the day. “

Volunteers are very occasionally lucky enough to see hatchlings emerge, and licensed handlers check and assist the last few young turtles © Independent/ALAMY

Adult turtles weigh up to 900kg (142 stone) and spend most of their lives at sea © Ken Winslade 

This conservation effort is deeply rewarding for Ken, as he emphasises,“For the majority of people who join the team, Turtle Watch is one of the highlights of their tours. Many volunteers have had the pleasure of seeing adult turtles leaving nests that they have laid when they begin their walks at first light. Some who have joined me in excavations have also witnessed hatchlings being released who weren’t strong enough to escape the nests themselves. I myself have also helped to rescue a number of sick or trapped turtles during my time here. “Knowing that something I’m so heavily involved in gives such pleasure is a source of great pride.”

This tireless commitment, while voluntary and unfunded, is integral to preserving the fragile balance of Cyprus’s Western Sovereign Base Area. Notably, these conservationists also collaborate closely with the Akrotiri environment centre, conducting educational programs for visitors and local schools to nurture a deeper appreciation for the region’s diverse flora and fauna.

Despite the challenges posed by winds, storms, and occasional littering, these undertake annual beach clean-ups, removing 30-40 bags of debris and even more substantial items like car tires and discarded fishing equipment. Such efforts are vital, as lost fishing nets have tragically led to the deaths of countless turtles.

As this inspiring journey continues, the Western Sovereign Base Area stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaborative conservation efforts, underscoring the remarkable resilience of the planet’s diverse ecosystems.

Ken Winslade is trained and licenced to check the nests.  The fine for anyone destroying a nest is €17,000 © Ken Winslade 

Adult turtles weigh up to 900kg (142 stone) and spend most of their lives at sea © Ken Winslade