Olive Ridley Turtles – known for their unique mass nesting (arribada) – returned to Odisha to dig nests and lay eggs after several years of absence. Their numbers, according to the Forest Department, was over 70,000.
Olive Ridley turtles are considered endangered because they have declined globally by more than 30% in the past 20 years and have very few nesting grounds left. According to the Odisha Wildlife Organisation (OWO), at least 50% of the world population of Olive Ridley turtles arrive on Odisha shores for nesting.
The Forest Department volunteers create hatcheries, keeps predators at bay, and help after nesting to release hatchlings into the sea. Last year, there were no turtle arrivals due to the Titli Cyclone. This year, debris was removed and the hatcheries were prepared again.
Normally, masses of tourists and locals would generally assemble to watch. However, due to the 21-day lockdown in India, these turtles have been left undisturbed and came ashore in greater numbers.
