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3 May 2021.
Introduction:
The Olive Ridley Turtles in 2021 are staying away from the Rushikulya river. Millions of Olive Ridley turtle nest near the mouth of Rushikulya river. The Rushikulya river mouth is considered the second-biggest rookery in India after Gahirmatha. The nesting time of Olive Ridley turtles is between January and May. This year, they are yet to begin their nesting.
The turtle is known for its unique mass nesting sites called the Arribadas. During Arribadas, thousands of females come together to lay eggs on the same beach.
Highlights:
- According to the scientists this delay of nesting is normal.However,some of the conservationists are worried.
- This is because, the atmospheric temperature is to reach its peak in May and the sand becomes very hot. It is likely that mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles might skip this year.
- The nesting of the turtles has been skipped earlier in 2002, 2007, 2016 and 2019.
- In the Indian Ocean, majority of these turtles nest near the Gahirmatha of Odisha. The coast of Odisha is one of the largest mass nesting sites of the turtles. The Gahirmatha beach is now part of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife sanctuary.
- The other nesting sites of the turtles are coasts of Mexico, Costa Rica, Pacific Panama.
IUCN Status:
- They have been categorised as “Vulnerable” under the IUCN Red List. The CITES has included them under Appendix I. The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has included them under Schedule I.
- These turtles migrate thousands of kilometres between feeding and mating period.