Thousands of Turtles Nest in Annual Nesting Spectacle

Quick Smiles:

• Thousands of Olive Ridley turtles return to Odisha, India, for their annual nesting.
• Over 11,000 turtles laid eggs on the first day of the ‘Arribada’ event.
• Local volunteers and the Forest Department work together to ensure a safe nesting environment.

Every year, a spectacular natural event unfolds on the beaches of Odisha, India, as Olive Ridley turtles make their way ashore for their annual nesting ritual.

This year, the sight was nothing short of awe-inspiring, with thousands of these remarkable creatures arriving to lay their eggs near the Rushikulya River.

On February 16, the first day of the event known as ‘Arribada,’ over 11,000 turtles were observed laying eggs along a 2.5-mile stretch of beach.

“Arribada” is a unique phenomenon where thousands of female turtles congregate on the same beach to lay their eggs.

These turtles, which can grow up to 2 feet in length, return to the very beach where they hatched as babies.

During this event, up to 600,000 females may emerge from the ocean over a period of five to seven days.

Once ashore, they dig pits in the sand, laying between 100 and 150 eggs before covering them up and returning to the sea.

After a period of about 45-65 days, the eggs hatch, and the beaches become a bustling scene of tiny Olive Ridley hatchlings making their first journey to the ocean.

However, the journey is perilous, with only about one hatchling surviving to adulthood for every 1,000 that enter the sea.

Despite their large numbers, Olive Ridley turtles are classified as “Vulnerable” by international wildlife organizations.

To protect these magnificent creatures during their nesting period, the Forest Department has taken measures to safeguard the area.

Local volunteers play a crucial role in this effort, helping to create a secure environment by fencing off the beach to prevent disturbances.

These restrictions will remain in place until the hatchlings have safely made their way to the ocean.

Witnessing this natural spectacle is a reminder of the wonders of the animal kingdom and the importance of conservation efforts.

The breathtaking sight of Olive Ridley turtles nesting is a testament to the resilience of nature and a call to action to protect these incredible creatures.

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