ATHENS, Greece, June 30 (UPI) -- Scientists say growing tourism on the Greek island of Zakynthos poses a serious threat to the largest nesting population of loggerhead turtles in the region.
The World Wide Fund for Nature and other environmentalist groups are accusing the Greek government of failing to protect the turtles, which nest at this time of year on the island, the BBC reported.
The groups say the beaches on Zakynthos have been turned into what they call a sprawling tourist free-for-all.
The environmentalists say park wardens and other staff have stopped working because the Greek government has failed to pay their wages for months.
Two British volunteers working for an environmental organization on the island say they were attacked last Saturday by a businessman.
The concern now is for turtle eggs that start hatching in August, which is the peak of the tourist season.
The loggerhead turtles -- a threatened species -- are sensitive to any disturbance in their environment.
