Odisha’s Rushikulya beach has once again become the center of attention as over 6.82 lakh Olive Ridley turtles have arrived for their annual mass nesting, making it one of the largest arribada events in recent years.
This natural phenomenon, where thousands of female turtles come ashore to lay eggs, is a crucial part of the species’ reproductive cycle.
Wildlife officials and conservationists have observed a record-breaking 6.41 lakh turtles laying eggs at the Rushikulya rookery in Odisha’s Ganjam district till Friday night, with the numbers expected to reach 7 lakhs by the end of the nesting season in early March.
Significance of Rushikulya Beach as a Nesting Site
Rushikulya beach, located in Odisha, is one of the most significant nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles in the world. Although Gahirmatha beach in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika district was historically the largest mass nesting site, erosion and habitat changes have led many turtles to shift their nesting to Rushikulya.
Unlike other nesting beaches where human activities have interfered with turtle reproduction, Rushikulya has seen a consistent increase in nesting numbers due to effective conservation efforts and favorable environmental conditions.
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Wildlife experts attribute this year’s large turnout to optimal weather conditions, including favorable temperatures, the presence of southern winds, and the absence of unseasonal rains.
These factors play a crucial role in ensuring that the turtles return in large numbers to the same nesting grounds. Olive Ridley turtles are known to exhibit natal homing, meaning they return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their own eggs.
Challenges and Conservation Efforts
The conservation of Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha is a complex task that requires coordinated efforts from multiple agencies. Since mass nesting is a delicate process, authorities have taken several measures to protect the turtles.
The Odisha Forest Department, along with the Indian Coast Guard and other marine protection agencies, has imposed restrictions on fishing activities within 20 km of the nesting site from November 1 to May 31 to prevent accidental injuries and fatalities caused by fishing trawlers.
A Spectacle Like No Other, Only in Odisha!
— Preeti Mahapatra🇮🇳 (@OfficialPreetiM) February 24, 2025
Can you imagine?
6.41 lakh Olive Ridley turtles have arrived at Rushikulya river mouth in the past few days for their grand mass nesting!
This breathtaking phenomenon, where thousands of these gentle marine creatures return to the… pic.twitter.com/cargc0rZsM
To ensure a smooth nesting season, authorities have fenced a 5-km stretch along the coastline, preventing disturbances from human activities and predators. Since artificial lights can disorient turtles and hatchlings, ports and industrial establishments near the nesting site have been instructed to dim their lights until the hatchlings have safely made their way to the sea.
Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard has launched ‘Operation Olivia,’ a specialized initiative to safeguard the turtles during their nesting period. This operation involves patrolling the coast with drones, Dornier aircraft, and Coast Guard vessels to detect and prevent any threats to the turtles, including illegal poaching or fishing in restricted zones.
The Journey of Olive Ridley Hatchlings
Each Olive Ridley turtle lays between 50 to 100 eggs in a nest, which is dug about a foot and a half deep using their hind flippers. These eggs incubate under the sand for 45-55 days, depending on environmental conditions. After this period, the tiny hatchlings emerge and instinctively crawl toward the sea, guided by the natural light reflecting off the ocean.
While mass nesting is a spectacle in itself, the journey of the hatchlings is even more remarkable. Only a small percentage of the hatchlings survive due to natural predators such as crabs, birds, and large fish.
Conservationists work to increase their survival chances by reducing human interference, managing artificial lighting, and ensuring that the hatchlings have an unobstructed path to the sea.
Over the years, conservation efforts have significantly improved the survival rate of these turtles. However, researchers have also observed certain inconsistencies in their nesting patterns.
Olive Ridley turtles have skipped mass nesting at Rushikulya in certain years, such as 2015-16, 2018-19, 2020-21, and 2023-24, without a clear explanation. Scientists suggest that environmental factors such as El Niño, shifting ocean currents, and climatic variations could influence their nesting behavior.
With continued conservation efforts, the future of the Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha looks promising. The Rushikulya rookery has proven to be a crucial breeding ground, and as awareness about these endangered creatures grows, it is hoped that their numbers will continue to thrive.
The annual arribada not only signifies the resilience of this species but also highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏