Abstract
Employing culture-dependent techniques, this study unveils the fungal diversity associated with Loggerhead Sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests on Al-Thalateen beach, Libya, the first to explore this aspect in the country. By isolating and identifying fungi from eggshells and nest sand samples collected during the 2023 nesting season, we contribute valuable insights into a previously understudied topic. Our analyses revealed a rich fungal community encompassing ten genera, including Fusarium (identified as F. solani and F. oxysporium), Aspergillus (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus sp.), Alternaria sp., Cladosporium sp., Penicillium sp., and Stachybotrys sp., all were frequently isolated from both eggshells and nest sand. Interestingly, Trichoderma sp. and Chaetomium sp. were found exclusively in nest sand samples, hinting at potential niche preferences within the nest microhabitat. These findings align with observations in other regions, suggesting a possible ubiquity of these taxa across nesting beaches. The presence of Fusarium and Aspergillus species, known pathogens in various sea turtle species, warrants further investigation due to their potential impact on egg health. Future studies employing quantitative methods to assess fungal abundance and in situ monitoring of fungal growth patterns throughout the incubation period could provide deeper insights into these interactions. Additionally, investigating nest microenvironment factors like temperature and humidity alongside fungal isolation efforts would aid in exploring correlations between the nest's ecological conditions and fungal community composition. By elucidating these relationships, we can inform the development of targeted conservation strategies to improve Loggerhead turtle nest success in North Africa.