Odisha: Two more Olive Ridley turtles satellite tagged
Chhatrapur: Two more Olive Ridley turtles, a male and a female, were satellite tagged at the Rushikulya rookery. Just a few days ago, forest officials resumed tracking six rare turtle species at Gahirmatha.
Forest officials said the turtles were tagged to monitor and study their movements, their nesting sites and habitats, and changes in the sea during their movements. Officials said the satellite transmitters were purchased from New Zealand. A team of three scientists and a researcher from the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun is reportedly conducting research on the turtles.
Berhampur DFO Sunny Khokar said, “The main purpose of the research is to determine the patterns of their movement and changes in the sea. More in-depth studies are also needed to identify conservation strategies for these rare species.”
The DFO further stated that last year, the turtles were tagged before nesting, while this year the process was carried out during their mating season. The exercise was carried out in the presence of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and MD, OFDC Prem Kumar Jha, Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (Berhampur) Vishwanath Neelannavar, Berhampur DFO Sunny Khokhar, Chilika DFO Amlan Nayak, and other forest officials.
Due to the turtles’ mating season, forest officials have reportedly intensified patrolling in the restricted areas around the nesting areas.
