Ganjam, Odisha – February 26, 2025 – In an extraordinary environmental spectacle, Rushikulya beach in Odisha has experienced a record-breaking mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles. A total of over 700,000 turtles have descended upon this seaside strip in Ganjam district within the last week, breaking all previous records and serving as a significant triumph for conservation work.
Mass Nesting Phenomenon – “Arribada”
The mass nesting every year, or “Arribada”, has made Rushikulya river mouth a thriving nesting site. Thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come to this beach each year to nest, a sight that draws researchers, environmentalists, and wildlife lovers from across the globe.
This year’s record arrivals are being credited to:
✅ Favorable weather conditions
✅ Odisha Forest Department conservation initiatives
✅ Protection measures through fencing and observation
✅ Launch of “Operation Olivia” – A concerted effort to protect the turtles during their nesting season
A Boost for Conservation Efforts
The boom in nesting population is a reflection of the success of conservation efforts to safeguard these threatened sea creatures. As the Olive Ridley turtles are a pivotal component of marine ecosystems, experts highlight the importance of sustained watchfulness against menace in the forms of coastal pollution, fishing net entrapment, and habitat destruction.
Commenting on the development, an Odisha Forest Department official said, “This is a great success for our conservation efforts. The growing number of turtles coming back to Rushikulya is a good sign that our protection strategies are paying off.”
Turtle Hatchlings Expected Soon
With the nesting period at its peak, conservationists expect a massive number of hatchlings in the next few weeks. After the eggs hatch within approximately 45-50 days, thousands of hatchlings will emerge and swim to the ocean, providing another awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
The mass nesting phenomenon at Rushikulya once again establishes Odisha as a critical habitat for Olive Ridley turtles, in addition to other major rookeries such as Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and Devi River Beach.
With wildlife lovers and environmentalists already hailing the achievement, protection and awareness drives continue to be the way ahead for guaranteeing the long-term survival of the endangered species.
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