Olive Ridley Turtle 03233: First Tagged Turtle Crosses Coasts
Why in the news
Olive Ridley turtle 03233 became the first flipper-tagged turtle recorded across both of India’s coasts and two ocean basins, adding to knowledge of migration.
Key facts
- Tagged: 2021, during mass nesting in Odisha.
- Nesting: 2025, Konkan coast, 120 eggs (regional average 90-95).
- First recorded nesting at two beaches in the same period, challenging migration theories.
West coast picture
- Nests have grown in recent years; Maharashtra hosts about 20% of India’s, with Guhagar near 300 nests.
- Researchers are asking whether west coast turtles are migrants like 03233 or residents of Arabian waters.
Conservation
- The Wildlife Institute of India is running a turtle census; experts want more flipper and satellite tagging.
- Maharashtra’s nesting sites face threats from construction and tourism.
Exam angle
- Species: Olive Ridley; tag 03233; tagging state: Odisha.