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Since 1986 Turkey has taken steps towards the conservation of wildlife. Today there are 385,000 hectares of protected land in Turkey, 38,500 of which are in Dalyan. Within part of this area is the protected beach where the Loggerhead Turtle, (scientific name Carretta Carretta) come to nest. The Loggerhead Turtle is designated as threatened on the Federal Fish and Wildlife Endangered Species List. These Turtles with their large heads, (the name Loggerhead comes from the fact that they have oversized heads), and reddish brown shells come to Iztuzu beach to nest from May - September. They have yellowish to white undersides and can measure up to three - four feet in length. These Turtles are air-breathing Reptiles, which have a special gland that allows them to drink seawater
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