8 Lakhs Olive Ridley Turtles Back on Odisha's Shore; Your Staying In Is Replenishing Dear Nature

Now that humans, who impose the highest threat to many sea organisms are in complete lockdown, Olive Ridley, a rare sea turtle, one of the many endangered species is back onshore for nesting.

Nature is Out and About Because Humans Are In

Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise every second. Countries across the world have seen the worst and the global economy has certainly been hit hard. Nature seems to be benefitting from the pandemic. As the activities of humans have been put to a halt, Nature is replenishing itself and making the most of the 21 days confinement period.

Nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles

Known for their mass nesting, Olive Ridley turtles come up to the Indian shores during their nesting season and the coast of Odisha is one of their largest nesting sites. For some time, there has been a great decline in their nesting activity in the Indian subcontinent. In 2019, the Indian coasts witnessed none of the nesting activities which may be because of the presence of humans, their activities and waste materials. However, this year, the sea turtles can nest in peace, all thanks to the lockdown.

Lakhs of Olive Ridleys Sighted on the Coasts of Odisha

Recently, more than 8 lakhs sea turtles have come ashore the Gahirmatha beach and Rushikulya rookery. Odisha Wildlife Organisation (OWO) states that almost 50 per cent of the turtles' total population comes up to the coasts of Odisha for nesting. However, a very small percentage of the eggs hatched into young ones because the incubation period lasts as long as 45 days and most of them get either destroyed by humans or eaten up by animals.

According to the reports made by the Forest Department, this nesting season, more than 2,78,502 female turtles have nested till the morning of Wednesday i.e., 25th March 2020. It has been estimated that this year, at least 4.75 lakh turtles will be out to nest on the shore of the Rushikulya beach. More than six crores of eggs will be laid this season. The Department of Forest has directed that animals like cats and dogs as well as fishing boats be kept away as they impose a threat to the eggs and the parent as well.

The world has seen the tragic death of thousands of humans due to COVID-19. However, as the saying goes, everything does seem to happen for a reason. Nature has suffered brutally at the hands of humans, the impact of which is felt by us each second. Although the lives of humans are now in chaos, Nature through the lockdown of humans seems to be mending the harm done by us. Are you in agreement? We would like to hear your views on these.