Context:
With the nesting season underway, wildlife authorities have established sea turtle hatcheries along the Chennai coast to safeguard eggs and enhance hatchling survival, especially from threats like predation, artificial lighting, and human disturbance.
What is it?
The Olive Ridley sea turtle is among the smallest and most abundant sea turtle species, named after its olive-green, heart-shaped carapace (shell). It is globally renowned for its spectacular mass nesting phenomenon known as arribada, during which thousands of females nest simultaneously on selected beaches.
Habitat and Distribution
Global Range
- Tropical waters of the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans
Indian Context
- Major mass nesting sites along the Odisha coast:
- Gahirmatha
- Rushikulya
- Devi River mouth
- Solitary nesting occurs along:
- Tamil Nadu (including Chennai coast)
- Andhra Pradesh
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Marine Habitat
- Primarily pelagic (open ocean) species
- Migrates seasonally to sandy beaches for nesting
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- India (Legal Protection): Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
