Concerns Over Olive Ridley Turtle Trails Proposal
The Union Budget's proposal for developing 'turtle trails' at key Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala has raised significant concerns among conservationists and researchers.
Significance of Mass Nesting Sites
- Olive Ridley turtles: Endangered species with rare mass nesting, known as 'arribada', occurring mainly in India and Costa Rica.
- Key sites in Odisha: Gahirmatha and Rushikulya, with restrictions on visitor access to minimize disturbances.
Potential Impacts of Turtle Trails
- Distraction by lights: Turtles are highly sensitive to lights which can disturb nesting.
- Need for stringent visitor conditions: Suggestions for limiting tourist numbers and ensuring nesting grounds remain undisturbed.
Suggestions for Conservation
- Strengthening conservation efforts rather than promoting ecotourism.
- Improve enforcement mechanisms, such as using functional speed boats for fishing prohibitions.
