Olive Ridley Conservation

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Why in News?

The Union Budget proposal to develop “turtle trails” in coastal sites across Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala has sparked debate among conservationists regarding potential disturbances to the sensitive arribada (mass nesting) process.

Description:

Key Terms

  • Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea): The world’s smallest and most abundant sea turtle; currently listed as Vulnerable (IUCN).
  • Arribada: A unique biological phenomenon where thousands of females nest simultaneously on the same beach.
  • Turtle Trail: A proposed eco-tourism initiative designed to provide guided public access to nesting sites.
  • Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ): Regulated buffers around protected areas to minimize human impact.

Species Profile: Olive Ridley Turtle:

  • Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (Highest protection)
  • Distinctive Behavior: Highly synchronized mass nesting (arribada).

Major Nesting Sites in India:

RegionKey Sites
OdishaGahirmatha (World’s largest), Rushikulya Mouth, Devi River Mouth
Other StatesAndhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala (primarily sporadic nesting)

The ‘Turtle Trails’ Proposal:

  • Objective: Promote eco-tourism and balance conservation with local livelihoods.
  • Locations: Key coastal nesting habitats in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala.
  • Goal: Create a structured framework for public interaction with nesting sites.

Conservation Concerns:

Conservationists argue that mass nesting beaches must remain free of anthropogenic (human) pressure due to:

  • Sensitivity: Turtles are extremely vulnerable to artificial lighting, noise, and physical movement.
  • Disruption: Increased tourism may disturb nesting females and disorient hatchlings moving toward the sea.
  • Ecological Impact: Even “regulated” access can compromise the integrity of fragile nesting grounds.

Existing Protections & Challenges:

Current Measures:

  • Operation Olivia: Managed by the Indian Coast Guard to prevent turtle mortality.
  • Seasonal Bans: Fishing prohibitions during nesting months and “no-fishing” zones.
  • Monitoring: Oversight by the Forest Dept, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and NGOs.

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