Rushikulya: Turtles begin mass nesting

BERHAMPUR: The mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles started near Rushikulya river mouth in the early hours of Thursday.

Over 10,000 female turtles have laid eggs in the over three-km-long sandy beach from Gokharakuda to Podampeta.

Wildlife experts said the unique phenomenon would continue for some more days. "The beach condition and weather is very conducive.," said divisional forest officer (Berhampur) S S Mishra.

Sporadic nesting was noticed in the Rusikulya rookery, considered the second largest after Gahiramatha, for the last one week. "We have taken several steps to protect the eggs," said the DFO. The entire 4.5-km long stretch of beach is divided into 33 sectors. Scholars and visitors will be allowed entry these two sectors.

Around 175 people, including forest personnel, wildlife activists and villagers are engaged in the protection of turtles and their eggs. It will continue till the next 50 days till the hatchlings come out, said the DFO.

Climbing the beach, the female turtles dig pits in the sand and lay eggs. The pit is covered by the mother turtles before they go back into the sea. Around 100 to 150 eggs are laid by each female turtle.