Mangaluru – Conservation of olive ridley turtles along the Mangaluru shoreline has seen encouraging progress this nesting season, with the forest department reporting a hatching success rate of 74%. This marks a significant jump from last year’s 50.3% outcome.
According to Anthony S Mariyappa, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Mangaluru division, a total of 2,490 turtle eggs were documented across 24 nesting locations. From these, 1,842 hatchlings successfully emerged and made their way to the Arabian Sea.
This season’s nests included eight at Sasihithlu, 13 at Idya Beach, and one each at Bengre, Tannir Bhavi, and Panambur Beach. In contrast, last year saw 13 nests in Sasihithlu, three in Bengre, and one each in Idya, Tota Bengre, Panambur, Tannir Bhavi, and Chitrapura beaches. That season recorded 1,958 eggs across 21 sites, with only 985 hatchlings surviving.
DCF Mariyappa explained that conservation methods introduced last year were enhanced this season. “While natural hatching is ideal, certain environmental challenges make intervention necessary. We aim to improve our methods year after year,” he stated.
Learning from past challenges, especially soil compaction issues in Bengre and Tannir Bhavi, officials shifted all nests to areas with better conditions. This strategic relocation significantly boosted hatchling survival.
To further strengthen efforts, the department set up onshore monitoring camps, introduced an artificial hatchery for at-risk eggs, and carried out awareness drives for local fishing communities. College students also participated in beach cleanup and restoration activities.
Monitoring will resume in November for the next nesting cycle.
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