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2mo ago

Record-Breaking 6.82 Lakh Olive Ridley Turtles Nest on Odisha's Rushikulya Beach

Favorable conditions and conservation efforts contribute to the largest mass nesting event ever recorded at the rookery, with numbers potentially reaching 7 lakh by season's end.

Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest species of marine turtles that normally lay eggs in Rushikulya and Gahirmatha beaches of Odisha. (HT Photo)
On an average, one Olive Ridley sea turtle lays 50-100 eggs during a season. (PCCF Wildlife Odisha)

Overview

  • Over 6.82 lakh Olive Ridley turtles have nested at the Rushikulya rookery in Odisha, surpassing the previous record of 6.37 lakh set in 2023.
  • Experts attribute the record numbers to favorable climatic conditions and effective conservation measures, including fencing and reduced light pollution along the coast.
  • The mass nesting season, known as arribada, began on February 16 and is expected to continue until early March, with final counts possibly reaching 7 lakh turtles.
  • Conservation efforts include joint sea patrolling by forest staff, coast guard, and marine police, as well as the Indian Coast Guard's 'Operation Olivia' to protect the turtles and their eggs.
  • Rushikulya has emerged as a major nesting site due to erosion at Gahirmatha beach, and scientists predict a high number of hatchlings from this year's timely nesting event.