Mass Nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles:
The Olive Ridley turtles are expected to return in large numbers to the Rushikulya River mouth in Odisha for their mass nesting, a vital occurrence for the conservation of this species.
- Olive ridley turtles are an olive or grayish-green with a heart-shaped carapace (top shell).
- They closely resemble Kemp’s ridleys (primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico) and are the smallest sea turtles.
- Their size and shape vary by region, with the largest found in West Africa.
- Major nesting sites in India: Rushikulya, Gahirmatha, Devi River mouth in Odisha, and the Andaman Islands.
- Protection Status:
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES: Appendix I
