Maharashtra Hosts Over 2,500 Olive Ridley Turtle Nests, Contributing 20% Of India’s Total
Maharashtra Hosts Over 2,500 Olive Ridley Turtle Nests, Contributing 20% Of India’s Total
A recent study by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reveals that over 2,500 olive ridley turtle nests were found along Maharashtra’s coastline, accounting for 20% of the total nests counted in India. The study, which spans India’s 6,000 km coastline, highlights that Maharashtra has become a significant site for these turtles, especially in coastal districts like Palghar, Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.
Major nesting sites include Velas, Anjarle, Guhagar, and Wayangani. Preliminary findings suggest that olive ridley turtles show a preference for solitary nesting along Maharashtra’s shores. The forest department’s Mangrove Foundation, part of the research team, covered the state’s 720 km of coastline.
The WII study also notes that the number of nests in Maharashtra has significantly increased. In 2023-24, 2,500 nests were recorded, a notable rise from the 1,387 nests in 2022-23. The Guhagar beach recorded the highest number of nests, with 298.
As part of ongoing conservation efforts, the study includes flipper tagging of olive ridley turtles. This will help track the turtles’ movements, offering valuable data for their protection. Despite these positive developments, the turtles face threats from habitat degradation, plastic pollution, fishing nets, and light pollution caused by increasing tourism. The full study will be completed by June 2025 and released in August.
