Endangered Olive Ridley Turtles Return for Mass Nesting in Odisha

Endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, tagged with GPS in March 2021, have returned for mass nesting on Odisha's Gahirmatha beach. Approximately 400,000 turtles laid eggs at the world's largest rookery over five days. The tagging aids in studying their reproductive biology, migration, and foraging behaviors.

At least 10 endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, previously tagged with GPS by the Zoological Survey of India, have returned to Gahirmatha beach in Odisha for mass nesting, officials announced on Monday.

Over the past five days, around 400,000 turtles have laid eggs at the world's largest rookery, they reported. Notably, 10 female turtles were observed with metallic tags at Nasi-1 and Nasi-2 nesting grounds on Saturday night, confirming the tendency of these turtles to return to familiar beaches for egg-laying, according to officials.

Researchers highlight that the tagging of turtles, initiated in March 2021, is crucial for gathering data on their reproductive biology, migratory routes, and foraging areas. Past observations indicate similar nesting behavior at the Rushikulya river nesting ground, officials noted.