NEW DELHI – A record-breaking 700,000 Olive Ridley turtles have arrived at Rushikulya Beach in Odisha, India, for their annual mass nesting event. The beach is now covered with nesting turtles, leaving almost no empty space.
Conservation officials reported that this year’s nesting numbers are unprecedented, with the peak season running from February 15 to 25. To protect the turtles, local authorities have restricted access to the nesting sites, ensuring minimal human disturbance.
Upon reaching the shore, female turtles dig holes in the sand to lay their eggs, covering them before returning to the sea. Each turtle can lay over 100 eggs, which will hatch in about 50 days. Olive Ridley turtles are small sea turtles classified as a vulnerable species due to declining populations.
A wildlife photographer witnessing this phenomenon described it as “incredible”, emphasizing that Rushikulya Beach could be one of the world’s largest turtle nesting sites. (TNA)
