Recently, numerous dead olive ridley turtles have washed ashore in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai. Experts have estimated that so far, between 300 and 350 turtles have been found dead. (Source: Indian Express)
Causes of Death
- Bycatch in Fishing Nets: Olive ridley turtles often become entangled in long fishing nets, especially those used by commercial trawlers. This unintended capture, known as bycatch, leads to their death due to drowning, as they cannot surface to breathe.
- Proximity to Shoreline During Nesting Season: The turtles’ mating and nesting behaviors bring them close to the shore, making them more susceptible to human-induced threats such as fishing activities.
About Olive Ridley Turtles
- Physical Characteristics: Olive ridleys are among the smallest sea turtles, named for the olive-green color of their heart-shaped shells.
- Global Distribution” Found in tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, they are marine reptiles reliant on surface breathing and periodic returns to land for nesting.
- Geographical Range: Olive ridleys lay eggs across India’s east and west coasts. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha are key nesting regions, with mass nesting (Arribada) primarily occurring in Odisha’s Gahirmatha and Rushikulya beaches.
- Arribada Phenomenon: Arribada, or synchronized mass nesting, is a unique behavior where thousands of female turtles arrive together to lay eggs. This extraordinary event is exclusive to the genus Lepidochelys, which includes the olive ridley and Kemp’s ridley turtles.
