Safeguarding nests along Maharashtra’s shoreline
On the beaches of Guhagar, south of Mumbai, an annual natural event highlights the delicate balance between wildlife and conservation. Thousands of olive ridley sea turtles, a species classified as vulnerable, return to the coastline each year to lay their eggs in nests dug into the sand.
These nests, however, face multiple threats, including predators such as dogs and crabs, as well as poachers. To reduce these risks, conservation groups and volunteers carefully relocate the eggs to secure hatcheries. There, the eggs are incubated under controlled conditions until the hatchlings are ready to emerge.
Guiding the hatchlings into the sea
Once the baby turtles hatch, conservationists gather them safely into containers and release them on the sand, allowing them to crawl naturally into the Arabian Sea. This walk is essential for developing their orientation instincts, which will guide them back to the same shores in adulthood for nesting.
Although the hatchlings are slow and vulnerable, conservationists protect them from immediate dangers like seagulls, dogs, and crabs. Occasionally, visitors witness the release from a distance, often cheering as the small turtles make their way to the waves.
Ecological and community significance
Protecting the olive ridley turtle plays a vital role in preserving marine biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. These conservation initiatives also promote environmental awareness among local communities and tourists. Each successful release serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action to ensure the survival of vulnerable species in the region.
