This year, around 6.7 lakh Olive Ridley turtles have turned up to Rushikulya beach in Odhisa for mass nesting. The turtles continued arriving in the Rushikulya river mouth in March, so the number of Olive Ridley turtles laying eggs on Odisha beach will increase further. Last year, Rushikulya received 5.5 lakh Olive Ridley turtles.

On another beach of Odhisa, Gahirmatha has witnessed the laying of 3 lakh Olive Ridley turtle eggs. The Gahirmata beach in the Kendrapara area is home to the world’s biggest rookery of marine reptiles. The increase in mass nesting this year is because the beaches were unharmed. Since there were no significant weather occurrences, such as cyclones or heavy rain, have been reported this year.

Known as “Arribada,” the olive ridley turtle migrates to Odhisa in October, November, and February, respectively. Many of these turtles travel to the beaches of Odhisa during this season to deposit their eggs. The government has named the five locations where these turtles lay their eggs: Devi, Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Bahuda, and Astarang.

Source: Olive Ridley turtle global population. Orange circles are major nesting grounds. Yellow circles are minor nesting ground.

According to the DFO, mass nesting took place nearly a month ahead of schedule time, and scientists predict that more hatchlings will emerge. He also stated that all required precautions had been taken to protect the eggs in the rookery. The locals and forest officials had been hired to protect the eggs from predators. Predators, including jackals, wild dogs, wild boars, and birds, will be on the search to consume the eggs when the female predators return to the sea after laying them.

How Does An Olive Ridley Lay Eggs?

Olive Ridley turtles excavate holes in the sand with their front flippers for hours. Using their rear flippers, they create a cavity by sweeping sand out of the hole. Many eggs are deposited all at once and then covered with sand. The turtles deposit their eggs that hatch after 40-60 days. The turtles then leave for the sea just before dawn. The hatchlings are expected to break the surface of the eggs around April and May.

Significance?

Despite being the most numerous and extensively spread of the seven sea turtles found worldwide. For decades, the population of olive ridley has been steadily diminishing. Olive ridleys have declined by 30-50% worldwide, putting their numbers at risk and making them Endangered Species, according to Odisha. Hence, Olive Ridley turtles laying eggs on  (Lepidochelys olivacea) on Odisha beach is a relief and calls for celebration.