Ancient Lineage: Study reveals Indian Ocean Olive Ridley turtles are among the oldest globally, predating divergence of Atlantic and Pacific populations by 300,000-400,000 years. Challenges the previous theory that Central American turtles are the oldest.
Genetically Distinct Nesting: 16-year study confirms nesting population in Odisha is genetically distinct from other global populations, including South American coast.
Mass Nesting (Arribada): Exhibit arribada, mass nesting where thousands of females nest together. Migrate 9,000 km from Pacific to Indian seas.
Record Nesting in Odisha: Gahirmatha and Rushikulya in Odisha saw over 1.3 million turtles nesting in 2024, surpassing the 2023 record of 1.15 million.
Conservation Status: Protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act (Schedule I), IUCN Red List (Vulnerable), and CITES (Appendix I).
Key Nesting Sites: Apart from Gahirmatha and Rushikulya, Devi River mouth in Odisha and Andaman Islands are also important nesting sites.
Threats: Face threats from bycatch, poaching, habitat loss, plastic pollution, and climate change (rising temperatures and sea levels).
