Miscellaneous
Amelia sea turtle DOA swims 541km from Turkey to Lebanon
A sea turtle born without a rear flipper, tracked by satellite, has swum 541 kilometers from Antalya to the Lebanese coast.
A loggerhead sea turtle named DOA, which was born missing one of its rear flippers, has completed a migration spanning 541 kilometers from Belek beach in Antalya to the shores of Lebanon. The animal, identified as the only known case of congenital amelia in a sea turtle worldwide that is being monitored via satellite, was released into the Mediterranean on July 25 after receiving a tracking device.
The discovery at Belek beach
Ecological Research Association (EKAD) researchers first noticed the anomaly during their 32-year conservation program at Belek, one of the largest nesting sites for loggerheads in the Mediterranean. An adult female emerged onto Boğazkent beach to lay eggs, but experts observed that she lacked one rear flipper. Veterinary examinations and X-ray imaging confirmed that the limb had not been lost due to injury or predation; rather, it had never developed.
Following this determination, scientists decided to attach a satellite transmitter to monitor her movements and migratory behavior scientifically. The device was provided with support from local tourism facilities in Belek. Once released, the turtle’s path was tracked across the digital map, showing her heading south of Cyprus toward the Eastern Mediterranean before reaching the Lebanese coastline.
Unique scientific significance
Prof. Dr. Onur Candan, a member of EKAD’s board and an academic at Ordu University, emphasized the rarity of this case. He noted that while literature contains reports of turtles with amputated limbs, there are no published records or reports of individuals with congenital amelia—the complete absence of a limb from birth. Candan stated that DOA is the only known sea turtle with this specific condition currently under satellite surveillance globally. Although other such turtles may exist in the wild, none have been scientifically documented.
Candan explained that initial assessments suggested a recent loss, but physical checks revealed no scar tissue or bone fragments inside the socket area, including the acetabulum region. The X-rays proved the limb never formed during development. This distinction marks a significant finding for marine biology.
Nesting challenges and survival
Dr. Ali Fuat Canbolat, president of EKAD, recounted witnessing DOA attempt to nest. Loggerheads typically use both rear flippers to dig burrows approximately 50 centimeters deep. Lacking one flipper, DOA could only excavate about 10 to 15 centimeters. She deposited her fertilized eggs in this shallow depression and left the site. EKAD teams subsequently relocated these eggs to a properly prepared nest at the correct depth to ensure their protection.
Canbolat described the emotional weight of the turtle’s journey, noting that DOA had survived to at least 20 years of age despite her disability. He admitted hesitation over whether to tag her, fearing interference with her natural life, but curiosity prevailed. The decision allowed researchers to confirm that she does not remain stationary near Antalya but actively migrates, proving her resilience.
Ongoing data analysis
Researchers are currently comparing DOA’s movement patterns against those of typical loggerheads. Prof. Dr. Candan indicated that detailed analyses of the satellite data are still underway. Standard metrics such as daily activity duration and travel distances will be evaluated to determine if her performance differs from healthy counterparts. Early observations suggest her migration route is regular, with no apparent issues in activity levels, though final conclusions await the completion of the dataset processing.
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