Record Number Olive Ridley Turtles Nest at Odisha’s Rushikulya Beach

In Odisha’s Ganjam district, an extraordinary natural phenomenon is unfolding at the Rushikulya beach, where Olive Ridley turtles are nesting in record numbers. This year, approximately 6.82 lakh turtles have laid their eggs, surpassing the previous record of 6.37 lakh from 2023. This mass nesting event, known as ‘arribada’, usually takes place at night, but this time, it has been witnessed during daylight, offering researchers and tourists a rare opportunity to witness the event up close.

The Olive Ridley turtles, known for their olive-coloured shells, are laying their eggs on the Rushikulya beach, making it one of the largest nesting sites in the world. Experts speculate that the favorable weather conditions this year have led to a significant increase in the number of turtles. Female turtles dig holes in the sand and lay between 50 to 100 eggs in each nest. These eggs incubate for about 45 to 55 days before hatching. The hatchlings then make their way to the sea.

Wildlife Officials Take Steps to Protect Eggs

Wildlife officials are taking extra measures to protect the turtles and their eggs. A nine-kilometer-long fence has been installed along the coast to safeguard the eggs from predators, and joint patrols by the Forest Department, Coast Guard, and marine police ensure that the nesting area remains safe. The Indian Coast Guard has been running Operation Olivia, an initiative that began in 1991 to protect the turtles during their nesting season. The operation includes patrolling the area with drones, ships, and aircraft to prevent disturbances.

Ravindranath Sahu, Secretary of the Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Group, reported that more turtles are expected to arrive before the nesting season concludes in early March. The Forest Department and Coast Guard have been intensifying security measures to ensure the safety of the turtles. Despite occasional setbacks in past years, when turtles skipped nesting due to environmental factors, the current season’s success highlights the importance of continued conservation efforts.

Olive Ridley turtles, which are classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union, play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. With such large numbers of turtles nesting this year, there is hope for a significant increase in their population, helping to preserve the delicate balance of marine life.