The forest department in Mangaluru is celebrating a major victory in wildlife conservation, reporting a substantial increase in the survival rate of endangered olive ridley sea turtles along the coastal region. Through a series of enhanced and proactive measures implemented before the recent nesting season, officials have successfully boosted the overall hatching success rate to an impressive 74% for the 2024-25 period.
Advanced Planning Drives Conservation Success
According to Anthony S Mariyappa, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) for the Mangaluru division, the key to this year's success was meticulous early preparation. Unlike previous seasons where viable hatchery sites were identified on the day of nesting, the department finalized locations well in advance this time.
The team conducted thorough pre-examinations of potential sites, analyzing soil compaction and natural conditions. A critical factor was ensuring the soil was free from dense biotic content, which can lead to devastating fungal attacks on the delicate eggs. This careful site selection based on scientific parameters laid the foundation for the improved outcomes.
Using valuable data gathered over the past two years, the department pinpointed key nesting hotspots along the Mangaluru coastline at Sasihithlu, Idya, and Bengre, allowing for targeted conservation efforts.
Encouraging Numbers: A Season of Growth
The proactive strategy yielded outstanding results. During the 2024-25 nesting season, a total of 2,490 eggs were laid across 24 identified nesting sites. From these, a remarkable 1,842 hatchlings successfully emerged and began their journey into the Arabian Sea.
The nest distribution included eight at Sasihithlu, thirteen at Idya Beach, and one each at Bengre, Tannirbhavi, and Panambur beaches. This performance marks a significant leap from the previous season.
Marked Improvement Over Previous Season
The contrast with the 2023-24 nesting season highlights the impact of the department's evolving methods. The previous season recorded a hatching success rate of 50.3%. Although 1,958 eggs were laid across 21 sites that year, only 985 hatchlings made it to the sea.
That season's nests were located at Sasihithlu (13), Bengre (3), and one each at Idya, Tota Bengre, Panambur, Tannirbhavi, and Chitrapura beaches. The jump from 50.3% to 74% success underscores the effectiveness of the new, data-driven approach.
Evolving Protection Protocols on the Ground
DCF Mariyappa emphasized that protection protocols for olive ridley conservation are continuously refined each season. To ensure the utmost safety for the turtle nests, the department established onshore camps at every identified nesting location.
Each camp is manned by four dedicated forest watchers who patrol the beaches from sunset to sunrise, guarding the precious nests against predators and human disturbance. This round-the-clock vigil is a cornerstone of the conservation drive's increasing effectiveness along the Mangaluru coast.
