UPSC Articles
Mass nesting of Olive Ridleys
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Conservation
In News:
- Vulnerable Olive Ridley sea turtles have returned to Odisha’s Rushikulya river in lakhs for mass nesting.
Key takeaways:
- The animals had skipped Rushikulya in 2019 which became a cause of concern for turtle researchers.
- Tourists have been barred from visiting Rushikulya due to the countrywide lockdown in place since March 24.
- Thousands of turtles also laid eggs at Gahiramatha marine sanctuary recently.
Important value additions:
Olive Ridley
- The Olive Ridley sea turtle is the most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
- It is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
- It is best known for their unique mass nesting called arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.
- IUCN status: Vulnerable.
Marine Turtles
- Five species of sea turtles are known to inhabit Indian coastal waters and islands.
- Olive Ridley turtle
- Green turtle
- Hawksbill turtle
- Loggerhead turtle
- Leatherback turtle
- Except the Loggerhead, the remaining four species nest along the Indian coast.
Olive Ridley turtle
Mass nesting of Olive Ridleys
Image Source: Click here
