On the occurrence of Leatherback Turtles Dermochelys coriacea (VANDELLI, 1761), in Tunisian waters (Central Mediterranean Sea)

A total of 51 records of the Leatherback Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea (VANDELLI, 1761) from Tunisian waters during 1907-2011, are reviewed based upon published literature and present records. Most measured females and males were adult (curve carapace length, CL > 145 cm). Findings occurred throughout the year, mostly in the central and southern study zones. However, more turtles were observed in the south during the warm period of the year possibly related to the abundance of jellyfishes during that season. Thirty-six out of 51 records (70.58 %) derived from fishery bycatch; gillnets are the dominant threat to leatherbacks in the region. The relatively high frequency of the Leatherback coincides with an increased presence of other jellyfish consumers, such as the sunfish Mola mola. Systematic monitoring and Leatherback data collection is necessary to increase the knowledge on this species' distribution, behavior and feeding in Tunisian waters.