PANAJI: Olive Ridley turtles laid 45,493 eggs on Goa’s beaches this season, breaking all previous records in the state. Over the past few years, the figures have only been a little above 10,000 eggs.
In 2023, a bumper nesting season yielded around 16,312 eggs. But, this year, the number more than doubled. “The exponential increase in egg-laying and release of hatchlings back into the ocean are proof of the sincere efforts being made by the state forest department,” Umakant, additional principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden of Goa, said.
The eggs go through a 45-day cycle before they are ready to hatch. Despite the record-breaking numbers of nestings, challenges persist, as not all eggs hatch.
Data of turtle nesting report, compiled by wildlife authorities of Goa forest department, reveals that total count across beaches in North Goa stood at 216 nests.
These contained 22,528 eggs from which 15,146 hatchlings successfully made it into the sea. In South Goa, 231 nests contributed to 22,965 eggs from which 13,553 hatchlings were released.
“Over the past 20-30 years, efforts in turtle conservation have significantly boosted nestings in Goa. Multiple causes that are a mix of natural and anthropogenic factors can lead to a certain number of eggs not reaching maturity and hatching,” Puja Mitra, a marine conservationist with Terra Conscious, said. “Efforts must be made to follow the best global practices in creating hatcheries and relocating nests,” she said.
Data shows Agonda beach as a standout performer with 181 nests and 18,011 eggs, from which 9,661 hatchlings began their odyssey into the ocean.
This was followed by Morjim beach with 105 nests giving 11,130 eggs, fr-om which 7,767 hatchlings swam into their new life.
#Records #smashed #Olive #Ridleys #put #thousand #eggs #Goa #basket #Goa #News #Times #India
