Occurrence of Olive Ridley (<I>Lepidochelys olivacea</I>) Solitary Nests and their Future Conservation Implications in Gahirmatha Rookery, Odisha, India

Abstract

The current study on olive ridley turtles was undertaken from 2007 to 2010 in Gahirmatha rookery of Odisha coast especially during their breeding season. Entire period of study the solitary nest and their predation and erosion level were studied in Islands as well as mainland beach. All successful nests were taken to nearest beat and translocated into temporary made hatchery. Total 3,046 solitary nests had been encountered in three Octobers period of study. Out of 3,046 only 294 were translocated in hatchery and remaining nest were destroyed by predation, erosion and inundation in the field itself. The mean hatching success rate was 54.7% in three Octobers of study. As soon as turtles start laying upon the nest; they become vulnerable to predation.