Last Update: February 24, 2023, 17:51 IST
Large scale hatching is reportedly taking place at Rushikulya after a gap of 2 years. (Image: Twitter/@susantananda3)
Olive Ridley turtles chose to nest on the beach during daylight hours this year.
This is the time of year again when Olive Ridley Rushikulya flock to the beach for hatching en masse. In contrast to their nocturnal routine, the turtles are laying eggs on the beach during daylight hours this year. Rushikulya in Odisha is considered to be one of the highly recognized nesting sites of these marine animals in India. They emerge in the hundreds, buried in the sand, on the sea water to lay their eggs. It has been suggested that an average of 80 to 100 turtles hatch from each nest. On Friday, February 24, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sushant Nanda shared a video of Olive Ridley turtles from Rushikulya Rookery and wrote that they have returned to the beach “after a gap of two years”.
“Odisha welcomes its annual guest. Mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles has begun at Rushikulya Rookery. It is happening again during the day after a gap of two years. Swagatam (Welcome),” the IFS officer wrote while sharing a glimpse of the massive hatching. The video shows hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles reaching the seashore. Check it out here:
Odisha welcomes its annual guests. Mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles has started at Rushikulya Rookery. It is again happening on day time after a gap of two years. welcome pic.twitter.com/GXzzbQ0Pds— Sushant Nanda (@susantananda3) February 24, 2023
Within hours, the clip has garnered over twelve thousand views on the micro-blogging site, leaving animal lovers completely captivated and delighted. One user rallied for the protection of their habitat, writing, “Olive Ridley turtles have chosen us time and time again, it is our responsibility to repay the trust. Collectively habitat conservation is needed.”
Another commented, “Wow! What a sight to see. Looks great.
Very good! What a sight to see 🖤 Looks great 🙏
– Ramsharma Adivarahsharma (@ImRam_87) February 24, 2023
Another added, “Welcome friends.. happy nesting.”
Welcome guys.. Happy Nesting… 🥰- Roll No.20 (@doc_roll20) February 24, 2023
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the arrival of Olive Ridley turtles starts in November-December annually and continues till April-May. However, the nesting phase has been observed late in the last few years. It reportedly begins sometime after mid-January or early February. The endangered species reportedly chooses estuaries and narrow beaches for spawning. A single adult female can lay an average of 100–110 eggs per clutch.
Olive Ridley turtles usually spend their entire lives in the sea. They come out of the water and take five to seven days to lay eggs.
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