Science

Tamil Nadu’s Kanniyakumari district records 78% jump in new born Olive Ridley turtles

The forest officials and staff of the Kanniyakumari district deserve appreciation for their efforts to conserve turtles. The data in the Olive Ridley Turtle Conservation Project-2023 report, a copy of which is available with India Narrative, shows a significant jump of 78 per cent in the number of hatchlings released back into the sea this year.

Talking to India Narrative, M. Ilayaraja, Kanniyakumari District Forest Officer said: “This year’s conservation efforts have provided several positive results. Of a total of 10,032 eggs which were collected during the nesting season and were carefully protected and monitored during the incubation phase, 6,723 hatchlings emerged. This is a success rate of 67.02 per cent.”

There were variations among the different nesting sites. For example, while Bhoothapandi had a hatchling success rate of 62.97 per cent, Velimalai recorded a whopping success rate of 71.95.

Collection of Olive Ridley turtles by forest officials

In terms of collection of eggs also there was an increase in the current year of 67 per cent as an additional 4,039 eggs had been collected as compared to last year. While 5,837 eggs came from Bhoothapandi, 4195 were from Velimalai. Furthermore, 2,945 more hatchlings were released back into the sea.

Olive Ridley sea turtles, weighing between 30 to 50 kilograms with adults going beyond 100 kgs, are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. These reptiles have an important role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Spelling out their importance, the DFO said, “they contribute to nutrient cycling, promote sea grass growth through grazing activities, and help control jellyfish populations.”

As their decline can have a cascading effect on the overall balance and functioning of marine ecosystems, apart from conservation work, KFD also made an attempt to understand the various factors that affect the nesting process like temperature, availability of nesting beaches etc.

This research work yielded several interesting findings. One such showed the impact of sea erosion on nesting locations. Of the 38 nest locations in Velimalai range, only nine were not breached by the water. Commenting on this Ilayaraja told India Narrative: “This is ample evidence that without intervention of the forest department these nests would be lost to the sea and thus makes the effort of the forest department an essential service for the protection of the species.”

Apart from conservation efforts, the forest officials also conducted a study to understand nesting and hatching of eggs

The studies done during the research provided valuable insights on the current state of affairs in relation to the nesting process of these turtles in Kanniyakumari.

As per the report, “the data collected and analysed by the researcher provided a clearer picture of how beach erosion and the incursion of high tides impact the nesting grounds.” The studies will be vital to develop appropriate conservation strategies to mitigate the effects of beach erosion on the turtles while aiding in identifying potential areas that require protection or restoration efforts to create more suitable nesting habitats for them.

Summing up the report said: “By understanding the dynamics of the changing beaches and their impact on nesting success, conservation efforts can be directed towards ensuring the long-term survival of the olive ridley sea turtles in Kanniyakumari.”

S.Ravi

S. Ravi writes on science, evolution and wildlife besides trends in culture, history, art, and stories of human interest.

Recent Posts

VINBAX 2024: Vietnam-India bilateral army exercise concludes at Kaushalya Dam

The fifth edition of the historic Indo-Vietnam Joint Field Training Exercise, VINBAX-2024, successfully concluded its…

14 hours ago

India-Russia strengthen defence ties at 22nd Working Group meeting on military technical cooperation

The 22nd meeting of the India-Russia Working Group on Military technical cooperation and defence industry…

14 hours ago

“I want to have strong representation of India at World Nuclear Exhibition 2025”: Sylvie Bermann

Sylvie Bermann, President of the World Nuclear Exhibition expressed confidence in India's nuclear supply chain…

16 hours ago

PoJK: Joint Awami Action Committee protests against government following new ordinance, many injured

Joint Awami Action Committee core member Shaukat Nawaz Mir has condemned the attack of police…

16 hours ago

PM Modi meets 31 world leaders, heads of organisations during his 3-nation foreign visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in 31 Bilateral Meetings and informal interactions with global leaders…

18 hours ago

India- Australia conduct 11th Indian Air Force-Royal Australian Air Force Air Staff Talks

India and Australia conducted the 11th edition of the Indian Air Force and Royal Australian…

18 hours ago