Positive Trends
- A 16-year-long assessment (2008-2024) indicates a steady or growing population of Olive Ridley turtles in India.
- The study was conducted by the Dakshin Foundation, in partnership with IISc Bengaluru and State Forest Departments.
- Rushikulya (Odisha) witnessed one of the largest arribadas (mass nesting events) in recent years, with 400,000 to 500,000 turtles nesting within days.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Climate Change Concerns
- Rising sand temperatures due to climate change are causing a skewed sex ratio, with a disproportionately higher number of female hatchlings.
- This raises concerns about the long-term viability of the Olive Ridley population.
Significance of Long-Term Monitoring
- Sea turtles are long-lived, late-maturing, and highly migratory, requiring decades–long monitoring to detect population changes.
- The study covers not just Olive Ridleys, but also other species like Leatherback turtles (Andaman & Nicobar) and Green Turtles (Lakshadweep).
Challenges and Conservation Measures
- Arribadas do not occur every year, despite the presence of large numbers of turtles offshore, indicating unknown environmental or biological factors.
- Coastal and oceanic habitat threats remain a concern for conservationists.
- Conservation efforts need to address climate change-induced threats, habitat degradation, and bycatch in fishing activities.
Global Context
- Gahirmatha and Rushikulya in Odisha are among the largest nesting sites globally, alongside Mexico and Costa Rica.
- India’s conservation success is notable but fragile, requiring continuous monitoring and intervention.
