Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

• Context (DTE): The Olive Ridley sea turtle’s anticipated mass nestings in Rushikulya River mouth, Odisha, due to conducive climate and beach conditions.

Olive Ridley Turtles

• Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) is the second-smallest and most abundant sea turtle globally.
• They are known for unique arribadas (synchronised mass nestings), where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs.

Physical Characteristics

• Males and females grow to the same size, but females have a slightly more rounded carapace.
• The carapace is heart-shaped and rounded, giving it the common name “olive ridley.”
• Hatchlings are dark grey, appearing black when wet.

Distribution

• They are found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and warm areas of the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Gahirmatha Beach of Odisha (India) is the most significant breeding ground for these turtles.

Diet

• They are carnivorous, especially in the immature stages of their lifecycle.

Ecological Significance

• Mass nesting influences beach ecosystems and maintains population dynamics.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I

• Threats: Unsustainable egg collection, slaughtering on the beach, boat collisions, marine debris, natural disasters, climate change, & beach erosion.