Olive Ridley Turtles Lay Whopping 9K Eggs In Goa

PANAJI, (IANS) – Olive Ridley turtles, who make a beeline for Canacona beaches in South Goa to nest, have so far laid 9,213 eggs at Agonda and Galjibaga beaches, officials said.

“Every year Olive Ridley turtles come to these beaches to lay eggs. We have dedicated staff to keep vigil and take care of them and the eggs they lay. We see that they don’t face any harm from anyone,” an official said. Being a protected area there are no (commercial) activities there.

Olive Ridley Turtles are one of the most seasoned visitors to the Canacona beaches and hence, forest staff dedicate themselves to protecting them.

The nesting season unfolds in November, forest guards are deployed at the nesting sites to keep a vigil for female turtles heading towards the shore to lay eggs. Once a nest is sighted, the clutch of eggs is soon relocated to the protected hatcheries.

Their incubating period is 45 to 60 days, the hatchlings are then released into the water for their future course.