Olive Ridley Turtles Return to Odisha's Gahirmatha Beach After 33 Years. Approximately 1.7 lakh turtles arrived at Ekakulanasi Island over two days to nest.
Odisha News: The endangered Olive Ridley turtles have returned to Ekakulanasi Island in Odisha's Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary after a 33-year absence. This marks a historic moment, as thousands of turtles have arrived to lay eggs for the first time since 1992. Around 1.7 lakh turtles have already arrived this year, signifying the success of conservation efforts.
Impact of Conservation Efforts
Providing information on this, Manas Das, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Odisha Forest Department, stated that the state government and various agencies are undertaking special efforts for turtle conservation. These efforts have resulted in the return of Olive Ridley turtles after many years. Previously, in 1992, 3 lakh turtles had come here to lay eggs.
Improved Habitat Due to Beach Expansion
Due to coastal erosion, Ekakulanasi Island's beach had shrunk, leaving insufficient suitable nesting space for the turtles. However, this began to change from 2020, and the beach length has now increased to 8 kilometers. This provides ample space for the turtles to nest.
New Nesting Trends
In Gahirmatha, Nasi-2 beach has primarily been considered the ideal nesting site for turtles, with 2.63 lakh turtles arriving there this year. However, a large number of turtles have now also started nesting at Ekakulanasi Island, making it a preferred nesting site.
Significance of Olive Ridley Turtles
- Olive Ridleys are the smallest sea turtles in the world, but their population is the largest.
- These turtles are famous for their mass nesting behavior.
- They are primarily found in the warm waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans.
- Gahirmatha beach is the world's largest nesting ground for them.
Hatchlings to Emerge After 45 Days
After laying their eggs, Olive Ridley turtles return to the sea. After approximately 45 days, the eggs hatch, and the tiny turtles emerge, adapting to marine life without any maternal protection. This process exemplifies nature's remarkable structure.
Increased Conservation Efforts
According to the Forest Department, further measures will be taken in the future to increase the turtle population and ensure their safety. Local communities will be involved in awareness campaigns to ensure the long-term survival of these rare turtles.
