Wildlife Institute of India monitors Olive Ridleys on Ganjam coast

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, has established a temporary study camp near Berhampur at Ganjam (Rushikulya) for monitoring the population of Olive Ridley sea turtles, their nesting and breeding behaviour.

According to an official release the WII is also monitoring migration of these turtles through radio telemetry. Various protection measures have been taken by the State Forest Department to protect the off-shore and on-shore turtles’ populations along the Rushikulya river mouth.

A forest camp has been established by the Forest Department to monitor and protect both on-shore and off-shore sea turtles. The entire beach of the Rushikulya, where mass nesting takes place, is fenced to protect turtles’ nests from predators like dogs, hyena and jackals.

The State Government has also initiated education and awareness programmes in the nearby coastal villages for seeking cooperation of the local people in its endeavour to protect sea turtles.

Source: The Pioneer