Mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles begins in Odisha
The mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles, an endangered species has begun at mouth of river Rushikulya in Ganjam district of Odisha. Over 10,000 female turtles have laid eggs on the first day, in the 3-km-long sandy beach from Gokharakuda to Podampeta.
Along with nesting sites at river Rushikulya mouth and Gahiramatha, the mouth of Devi River in Odisha is also famous for mass nesting.
The mass nesting season of Olive Ridley sea turtles is a unique phenomenon and each female turtle lays around 100-150 eggs. These eggs hatch after 45 to 50 days of the nesting. However, the mother turtles do not wait till hatching and baby turtles are left alone for their survival.
For the mass nesting, around 175 persons, including forest personnel, wildlife activists and nearby local villagers are engaged in protection of the Olive Ridley turtles and the eggs round the clock.
About Olive Ridley Turtles
- Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea.
- They are also known as the Pacific ridley sea turtle.
- Olive Ridley Turtles are generally found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- They are listed as endangered species in IUCN Red Data Book because of their few remaining nesting sites in the world.
Related Posts
Month: Current Affairs - March, 2015