Over 6.82 Lakh Olive Ridley Turtles Arrive for Mass Nesting at Odisha’s Rushikulya River Mouth

Berhampur (Odisha): The Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha’s Ganjam district has once again emerged as a significant rookery for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, witnessing a record-breaking mass nesting event. Over 6.82 lakh turtles have arrived on the beach, surpassing last year’s count of 6.37 lakh, officials confirmed on Sunday.

The annual mass nesting, also known as Arribada, began on February 16, marking a crucial period in the conservation of these marine species. According to Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sunny Khokkar, the number of turtles arriving this year has set a new milestone, indicating a positive trend in their conservation efforts.

The Rushikulya rookery, one of the largest nesting sites in the world, attracts thousands of Olive Ridleys every year. Forest officials, marine biologists, and conservationists are closely monitoring the nesting process to ensure the safety of the eggs from natural and human-induced threats.

Authorities have deployed eco-protection squads, patrolling teams, and volunteers to prevent disturbances and safeguard the nesting sites. Special measures, including restricting fishing activities in the area, have been implemented to protect the turtles from accidental entanglement in fishing nets.

The mass nesting event in Odisha is a significant ecological phenomenon, drawing global attention to the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles, which are classified as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List. The eggs laid during this period are expected to hatch within 45 to 60 days, leading to the emergence of lakhs of hatchlings making their journey to the sea.

With a steadily increasing number of nesting turtles, Odisha continues to be a crucial habitat for these marine creatures, reinforcing the success of conservation initiatives undertaken by the state’s forest department and environmental organizations.