Lower genetic structuring in mitochondrial DNA than nuclear DNA among the nesting colonies of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Mediterranean

► We determine genetic structure of Chelonia mydas using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. ► Six haplotypes were found and CM-A13 was the major one uncounted for 97.3%. ► Level of mtDNA variation makes it impractical for determination of genetic structure. ► Higher genetic variation in nDNA in the Mediterranean green turtle was found. ► Microsatellites of nDNA allow discrimination between nesting colonies of C. mydas.