Kendrapara: For animal lovers, here is some good news. The endangered Olive Ridley turtles after playing truant by not turning up for arribada last year, have begun emerging along tranquil seawaters off Orissa Gahirmatha marine sanctuary coast.

Hundreds of breeding turtle pairs were spotted inside deep sea off Babuballi, Pentha, Habelikhati, Barunei and Nasi coast, according to forest officials engaged in turtle watch and vigil operation.

The sighting of breeding turtles, a prelude to annual mass nesting or laying of eggs by the marine animals, is a positive indicator that Gahiramatha is still a preferred spot for turtles.

Last year the turtles had altogether skipped mass nesting and did not turn up to lay eggs on the sandy Gahirmatha beaches. What led the turtles to disappear is still not clear.

The wildlife officials and researchers have begun to express optimism that this time turtles would reappear for arribada or mass nesting.
Source : PTI