(Image credits- Medium/Monikarautela)
Have you recently strolled along an Odisha beach and witnessed a sea of turtles, their shells glistening under the sun, and wondered what this extraordinary spectacle was all about?
Every year, Odisha’s shores become the stage for nature’s most captivating events: the mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles, a phenomenon known as Arribada. This year, a record-breaking 6.82 lakh turtles have graced the Rushikulya rookery, transforming the sandy expanse into a living tapestry of marine life.
The smallest yet most abundant
The Olive Ridley sea turtle, scientifically known as Lepidochelys olivacea, is the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles. They are easily identified by their olive-green carapace (shell), which is heart-shaped and slightly flattened. Adult Olive Ridleys typically measure between 60 to 70 cm in carapace length and weigh around 35 to 45 kg.
Their distinctive colouration provides excellent camouflage in the open ocean, where they spend most of their lives. These turtles are found predominantly in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
Despite their widespread presence, the IUCN Red List classifies them as vulnerable due to various threats. Their unique mass nesting behaviour, Arribada (meaning ‘to arrive’ in Spanish), is a rare sight, observed in only a few locations globally, making Odisha a crucial habitat for their survival.
The beauty of laying 100 eggs
The turtles’ journey to Odisha’s shores is a remarkable display of natural instinct. After spending their lives roaming the open ocean, these marine reptiles return to the very beaches where they hatched, driven by an innate desire to perpetuate their species. The mating process occurs offshore, with males and females engaging in courtship rituals before the females make their way to the sandy shores.
The Arribada is a synchronised nesting event in which thousands of females arrive simultaneously over a few nights. This synchronisation is thought to be a survival strategy, as the sheer numbers of females overwhelm predators.
Once ashore, the females carefully select a suitable spot above the high tide line and use their hind flippers to dig a nest. They then lay clutches of over a hundred eggs, covering them with sand to incubate under the sun’s warmth. This process is repeated multiple times during the nesting season, ensuring the survival of their offspring.
Odisha’s coast, particularly the Rushikulya rookery and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, provides ideal conditions for Olive Ridley nesting. The calm waters, sandy beaches, and relatively undisturbed environment create a haven for these vulnerable creatures.
The efforts of conservationists
The Odisha Government and various conservation organisations have implemented strict measures to protect these nesting sites, including patrolling beaches, regulating fishing activities, and raising awareness among local communities.
The sheer number of turtles arriving this year denotes the success of these conservation efforts. However, Olive Ridley turtles still face numerous threats, including entanglement in fishing nets, habitat destruction, and climate change. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and rising sea levels pose significant challenges to their nesting sites.
The Arribada is a vital part of the marine ecosystem and these turtles play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coastal environments. By understanding and protecting these magnificent creatures, we contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and ensure that future generations can witness this awe-inspiring event.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee.
Sources
Olive Ridley Turtle: by WWF India.
Odisha sets new record as 6.82 lakh Olive Ridley Turtles arrive at the coast for nesting: by Times of India, Published on 25 February 2025.
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