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Wildlife Institute of India Studies Turtle Tourism
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is conducting a feasibility study on turtle tourism in Kerala, focusing on the conservation and sustainable management of Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), one of the smallest and most abundant sea turtle species.
Olive Ridley Turtle :
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lepidochelys olivacea. |
| Genus | Lepidochelys. |
| Distinct Feature | One of the smallest and most abundant sea turtles; closely resembles Kemp’s ridley turtle. |
| Habitat | Warm tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans; primarily pelagic but forage in coastal areas. |
| Global Distribution | Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, West Africa and South America host major mass nesting sites. |
| Indian Distribution (Major) | India hosts the largest mass nesting population, mainly along the Odisha coast. |
| Major Nesting Sites (India) | Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (largest rookery), Rushikulya River mouth and Devi River mouth. |
| Other Indian Distribution | East Coast – West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu; West Coast – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala; Islands – Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. |
| Nesting Behaviour | Exhibits “Arribada” (mass nesting), where thousands of females nest simultaneously; also shows solitary nesting. |
| Nesting Season (India) | November to May; peak mass nesting occurs between February and March. |
| Migration | Undertakes long-distance migration between feeding grounds and nesting beaches. |
| Morphology | Heart-shaped olive-green carapace; males have longer tails extending beyond the shell. |
| Diet | Omnivorous; feeds on algae, crustaceans, mollusks, tunicates and jellyfish. |
| Major Threats | Bycatch in fishing gear, illegal harvesting, marine pollution, habitat loss, predation and vessel strikes. |
| Conservation Status | IUCN – Vulnerable; CITES – Appendix I; Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I. |
| Ecological Role | Acts as a bio-indicator species reflecting the health of marine ecosystems. |
| Operation Olivia | Indian Coast Guard initiative to protect turtles during nesting season along Odisha coast and prevent illegal fishing. |
| Turtle Excluder Device (TED) | Device fitted in fishing nets allowing turtles to escape while retaining fish catch, reducing bycatch. |