Introduction to Olive Ridley Turtles UPSC

Recently, Olive Ridley Turtles was in news because its February is the time when Olive Ridley Turtles nests and populate themselves. Each year, Olive Ridley Turtles comes to India’s eastern cost to nest.


Olive Ridley Turtles travels thousands and thousands of kilometers just to nest and populate themselves.

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Why Olive Ridley Turtles is in the news? – Latest News on Olive Ridley Turtles – UPSC Current Affairs

Olive Ridley Turtles are in the news because it’s their time to lay eggs on Chennai’s beaches from December to April. Female turtles travel back to where they were born for this special event.

People are working hard to protect them, but there are challenges like climate change and fishing gear, especially the tricky ‘ghost’ nets. These nets can trap the turtles, causing problems for both the turtles and the fishermen.

What are Olive Ridley Turtles? – Olive Ridley Turtles UPSC

Olive Ridley Turtles are a species of marine turtles found in warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Named for their olive-colored carapace, these medium-sized turtles play a crucial ecological role as both herbivores and carnivores, contributing to the balance of marine ecosystems.

Scientific name of Olive Ridley Turtles

The scientific name of Olive Ridley Turtles is Lepidochelys olivacea. This species belongs to the genus Lepidochelys and the family Cheloniidae. As captivating reptiles, Olive Ridleys play a vital role in marine ecosystems, and their scientific classification aids in understanding their biology, behavior, and conservation needs.

What is Turtle Excluder Device (TDE’s)?

A Turtle Excluder Device is a specialized piece of equipment used in fishing trawlers to reduce the accidental capture of sea turtles while allowing targeted fish species to be caught.

Heinrich Kuhl later named it Chelonia multiscutata in 1820, and Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz assigned the name Chelonia olivacea in 1829.

Leopold Fitzinger placed it in the subgenus Lepidochelys in 1843.

After Lepidochelys attained full genus status, Charles Frédéric Girard named it Lepidochelys olivacea in 1858.

The parentheses in Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz, 1829) indicate its original description in a different genus, crediting Eschscholtz as the binomial authority.

Physical Characteristics of Olive Ridley Turtles

We can identify a Olive Ridley Turtle with these Physical Characteristics-

1. Size

They are the second smallest sea turtle species, with adults typically measuring 2 to 2.5 feet (60 to 75 cm) in carapace length and weighing around 77 to 100 pounds (35 to 45 kg).

2. Carapace

Their carapace, or top shell, is heart-shaped and smooth, lacking the ridges seen in other sea turtle species. It is typically olive green in color, hence their name, but can also be a dark grayish-green or charcoal grey, especially in juveniles.

3. Olive Ridley Turtle carapace

Scutes: The carapace is made up of several bony plates called scutes. Olive ridleys have 5 central scutes and 6 or more lateral scutes on their carapace.

4. Head

Their head is relatively small compared to their body and has a pointed snout.

5. Flippers

Their four flippers are paddle-shaped and adapted for swimming. They have one or two claws on each flipper.

6. Coloration

Juveniles are typically charcoal grey in color, while adults are a dark grey-green. Hatchlings are black when wet with greenish sides.

7. Sexual Dimorphism

Males have longer tails that extend past the carapace, while females have shorter tails tucked within the carapace.

Here are some additional interesting facts about their physical characteristics:

• Their shells are relatively thin compared to other sea turtles, making them lighter and more agile swimmers.
• They have powerful jaws that allow them to feed on a variety of prey, including crustaceans, mollusks, and fish.
• Their streamlined bodies and flippers help them to migrate long distances across the ocean.
• They have excellent eyesight and can see both in air and underwater.
• They have salt glands near their eyes that help them to regulate their salt balance.

Ecology / Habitat of Olive Ridley Turtles

Olive Ridley sea turtles primarily inhabit protected, shallow marine waters within 15 km of mainland shores. They are occasionally observed in open waters. The species utilizes various habitats and geographical locations, with preferences changing throughout its lifecycle.

Olive Ridley Turtles Reproduction – Nesting Behaviour

Olive Ridley Turtles display distinctive nesting behavior as part of their reproductive cycle. Annually, between December and April, female turtles embark on a journey back to the shores where they born. Upon reaching the coastal areas, each turtle meticulously lays a clutch of around 50 to 150 eggs in a nest.

Food for Olive Ridley Turtles

We can say that these turtles are omnivorous. Olive Ridley Turtles mainly eat animals, especially when they’re young. They like things like jellyfish, sea urchins, shrimp, crabs, and more, found in shallow waters. They may also snack on algae when other food is scarce. Sometimes, they even eat jellyfish and fish eggs from the open ocean.

Threats to Olive Ridley Turtles

These are some major threats to Olive Ridley Turtles

1. Olive Ridley Turtles face predation risks from diverse predators, including raccoons, sharks, and jaguars.
2. Human activities, like egg collection and hunting, threaten Olive Ridley Turtles.
3. Boat collisions pose a significant mortality risk to Olive Ridley Turtles.
4. Fishery practices, including trawling and gill nets, lead to over 100,000 reported deaths.
5. Entanglement and ingestion of marine debris, especially plastic, harm Olive Ridley Turtles.
6. Coastal development, climate change, and beach erosion threaten Olive Ridley nesting grounds.
7. Light pollution confuses hatchlings, leading to dehydration, exhaustion, and road fatalities.
8. Arribadas, massive nesting events, inadvertently destroy nests, impacting reproductive success.
9. Cross-contamination of nests during arribadas reduces hatching success.
10. Legalization of egg collection in some areas stems from debates over arribadas.
11. Inadequate replacement of old fishing nets contributes to “ghost” nets, entangling marine life.
12. Olive Ridley Turtles often fall victim to “ghost” nets, abandoned fishing gear causing entanglement.
13. Jaguars, equipped with strong bites, pose a threat to nesting female turtles on land.
14. Mosquitoes afflict nesting females, while humans remain a significant threat through various activities.
15. Climate change, natural disasters, and beach erosion pose potential threats to Olive Ridley nesting.
16. Incidental captures in fisheries, such as longline fishing and pot fishing, impact Olive Ridley populations.
17. Coastal development disrupts nesting habitats, creating challenges for Olive Ridley Turtles.
18. In some cases, arribadas lead to nest destruction and bacterial contamination, reducing hatching success.

Roles of Fisheries in Conservation

Fisheries also plays a significant role in conservation-

1. Sustainable Practices: Fisheries actively contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems by employing sustainable fishing methods that prioritize the long-term health of aquatic environments.
2. Ecosystem Management: The responsible management of fisheries is a key factor in preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, ensuring the well-being of various species.
3. Biodiversity Conservation: Fisheries, through regulated practices, can prevent the over-exploitation of specific fish species, thereby promoting the conservation of biodiversity within marine environments.
4. Habitat Protection: Conservation initiatives by fisheries extend to safeguarding crucial habitats, creating a protective environment essential for the survival and thriving of diverse fish species.
5. Research and Monitoring: Fisheries actively engage in research, providing valuable data that aids in monitoring and, consequently, conserving marine life and habitats.
6. Regulatory Measures: Fisheries regulations are pivotal in controlling fishing activities, curbing overfishing, and shielding vulnerable species, thus contributing significantly to conservation efforts.
7. Reducing Bycatch: The implementation of measures to reduce bycatch reflects fisheries’ commitment to minimizing unintended harm to non-target species, supporting broader conservation goals.
8. Education and Outreach: Fisheries assume a role in educating stakeholders about conservation practices, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and responsible fishing.
9. Technology Adoption: Embracing advancements in fishing technology is a proactive step taken by fisheries to reduce their environmental impact and enhance overall conservation efforts.
10. Economic Sustainability: Striking a balance between economic interests and conservation goals ensures sustainable benefits for both fisheries and marine ecosystems.
11. Aquaculture Practices: Sustainable aquaculture methods provide a viable alternative to wild fishing, alleviating pressure on natural fish populations and contributing to conservation objectives.
12. Selective Fishing Gear: Adoption of selective gear by fisheries minimizes the impact on non-target species, aligning with broader conservation strategies.
13. Restoration Initiatives: Fisheries may participate in habitat restoration projects, actively working to enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems facing various threats.
14. Adaptation to Climate Change: Fisheries can play a crucial role in adapting to the impacts of climate change on marine environments and species, contributing to overall conservation resilience.
15. Balancing Conservation and Harvest: Striving for a harmonious balance, fisheries navigate the challenge of conserving marine resources while meeting the demand for harvest, ensuring sustainability.

How Indian Costal Pollution affects Olive Ridley Turtles

Indian eastern costal can be consider as home for Olive Ridley Turtles. Costal pollution can lead with numerous dangerous effects on Olive Ridley Turtles-

1. Ghost Nets

Abandoned fishing nets in Indian coastal waters pose a serious threat as they entangle and drown Olive Ridley Turtles, contributing to a decline in their population.

2. Plastic Pollution

The high levels of plastic waste in the sea, particularly near coastal areas, result in ingestion by turtles. This ingestion leads to severe health issues and, in many cases, mortality among Olive Ridley Turtles.

3. Light Pollution

Coastal development and excessive artificial lighting disrupt Olive Ridley nesting behaviors, impacting their reproductive success. The disorientation caused by lights can lead to nesting failures and a reduction in overall hatchling survival.

4. Noise Pollution

Increased human activities along the coast contribute to noise pollution, adversely affecting the orientation of hatchlings and nesting adults. This disturbance can disrupt critical behaviors and compromise the survival of the species.

5. Oil Spills

Coastal industries and shipping increase the risk of oil spills, causing severe harm to Olive Ridley Turtles through contamination and poisoning. Oil spills have detrimental effects on their health and can lead to long-term ecological consequences.

6. Habitat Degradation

Urbanization and construction projects along the coast contribute to habitat loss, reducing suitable nesting sites for Olive Ridley Turtles. The alteration of natural habitats poses a significant threat to their reproductive cycles.

7. Beach Erosion

Altered coastal dynamics due to pollution and development contribute to beach erosion, affecting the stability of Olive Ridley nesting sites. Erosion undermines the viability of nesting areas, posing a direct threat to the species’ survival.

8. Chemical Runoff

Agricultural and industrial runoff containing harmful chemicals negatively impact the water quality, affecting the health of Olive Ridley Turtles. The exposure to these pollutants can lead to various health issues and hamper the overall well-being of the population.

9. Tourism Impact

Unregulated tourism in coastal areas can lead to habitat destruction, disturbance during nesting, and pollution from tourist activities. These disturbances further exacerbate the challenges faced by Olive Ridley Turtles in maintaining viable nesting grounds.

10. Climate Change

Coastal pollution, coupled with climate change, exacerbates threats, affecting Olive Ridley Turtles’ reproductive success and overall population health. The combination of these factors poses a complex challenge to the long-term conservation of this vulnerable species.

Olive Ridley Turtles Conservation status

The conservation status of Olive Ridley Turtles is complex and varies depending on the specific population. Here’s a breakdown:

Globally

• Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
• Populations have historically declined but some stabilization or even slight increases have been observed in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts. However, they remain at risk.

Regional variations

• Eastern Pacific: Listed as Endangered due to significant declines in nesting females. This population primarily nests on one beach in Mexico, making it particularly vulnerable.
• Western Pacific: Populations are considered stable or increasing in some areas, though threats like bycatch and habitat loss persist.
• Indian Ocean: Population trends are uncertain due to limited data, but threats like egg collection and bycatch are significant.

Conservation efforts by India

India is home to one of the largest nesting populations of Olive Ridley Turtles in the world, primarily along the east coast. Recognizing their vulnerable status, several commendable conservation efforts have been implemented:

Government Initiatives

1. Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Lists Olive Ridley Turtles under Schedule I, providing them the highest level of legal protection.
2. Operation Olivia: Launched by the Indian Coast Guard, it involves patrolling nesting beaches and rescuing entangled turtles during the nesting season.
3. Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): Made mandatory for trawlers in some states to reduce accidental bycatch.
4. Beach protection measures: Fencing nesting areas, deploying volunteers, and educating local communities.
5. Hatchery programs: Relocating eggs from vulnerable sites to protected hatcheries to increase hatchling survival.

Tourism Impact on Olive Ridley Turtles

Tourism can impact Olive Ridley Turtles through increased human activity on nesting beaches. Lights, noise, and beach development associated with tourism can disrupt nesting females and disorient hatchlings.

Climate Change & Olive Ridley Turtles

Climate change poses a significant threat to Olive Ridley turtles, impacting their nesting grounds and overall survival. Rising temperatures influence the gender of hatchlings, with warmer conditions leading to more females.

Key facts about Olive Ridley Turtles

We have added a set of few key facts about Olive Ridley Turtles-

FAQs on Olive Ridley Turtles – UPSC Questions on Olive Ridley Turtles

Question-1: What is the scientific name of Olive Ridley turtles?

Answer. The scientific name of Olive Ridley turtles is Lepidochelys olivacea.

Question-2: Where do Olive Ridley turtles predominantly nest?

Answer. They predominantly nest on tropical beaches, often participating in arribadas, which are mass nesting events.

Question-3: How many eggs does a female Olive Ridley lay in a nest?

Answer. A female Olive Ridley typically lays around 50 to 150 eggs per nest.

Question-4: What is the major threat to Olive Ridley turtles during nesting?

Answer. Ghost nets used in fishing pose a significant threat, leading to entanglement and potential drowning.

Question-5: How long does it take for Olive Ridley turtle eggs to hatch?

Answer. The incubation period for Olive Ridley turtle eggs is approximately two months.

Question-6: Why do Olive Ridley turtles face challenges in Chennai, India?

Answer. Despite conservation efforts, anthropogenic factors, and poor enforcement of regulations continue to threaten Olive Ridley turtles in Chennai, India.

Question-7: How do fishing practices impact Olive Ridley turtles?

Answer. Fishing practices, including ghost nets, trawling, and bycatch, contribute to mortality and entanglement of Olive Ridley turtles.

Question-8: What role does climate change play in threatening Olive Ridley populations?

Answer. Climate change, particularly ocean warming, skews gender ratios, posing a threat to the overall population of Olive Ridley turtles.

Question-9: Why is light pollution a concern for Olive Ridley turtles?

Answer. Artificial lights can disorient hatchlings, leading to increased mortality as they struggle to find their way to the sea.

Question-10: How can people contribute to Olive Ridley turtle conservation?

Answer. Individuals can contribute to Olive Ridley turtle conservation by supporting organizations, practicing responsible tourism, and spreading awareness about the threats these turtles face.