Over 698,000 Olive Ridley turtles have descended upon the Rushikulya river mouth, marking what is being hailed as one of the most extraordinary events of nature—a mass nesting phenomenon known as ‘arribada’—along the coast of Odisha, India. This annual event, which has gathered significant attention, has surpassed the previous year's record of 637,000 turtles, highlighting the continued importance of Odisha as one of the world’s premier nesting sites for these endangered marine creatures.
The remarkable gathering began on February 16, 2025, and continued until February 24, leading to reports from Dibya Sankar Behera, Assistant Conservator of Forests at Khallikote, who confirmed the astounding number of 698,718 nests laid. This places 2025 on track to be the most successful year yet for these turtles, outstripping the previous records set since the early 2000s.
Olive Ridley turtles, named for their distinctive olive-hued shells, are the smallest marine turtle species known for their synchronized mass nesting behavior. During this season, thousands of female turtles come together to lay eggs—a rituality steeped in natural instincts. Local conservation authorities, along with community support, have implemented efforts to maintain the sanctity of these nesting grounds, safeguarding both the turtles and their eggs.
According to conservationist reports, favorable environmental conditions played a pivotal role this year. Behera cited improved weather as having created the ideal nesting conditions, complemented by the community's joint commitment to protect these creatures. For example, local fishermen have suspended fishing activities during the nesting period, allowing for fewer disturbances to the turtles.
“We installed fences to shield the eggs from predators like dogs and jackals. Every precaution was taken to protect the hatchlings,” explained Behera. This includes erecting protective measures along new nesting areas and conducting patrols to minimize human interference.
This year’s nesting event at Rushikulya has been part of the broader conservation efforts under the Indian Coast Guard’s Operation Olivia, initiated to protect the Olive Ridley turtles since 1991. Various organizations, including local NGOs, have also been involved, spreading awareness about the ecological significance of these migratory turtles. Environmental activist Dr. Prakash Jena remarked, “This year’s extraordinary nesting event is a testimony to the harmonious collaboration between nature, local communities, and conservation authorities.”
Nesting times typically span about 45 to 55 days, after which the hatchlings will instinctively navigate their way to the ocean. The precise factors influencing the synchronized arrival and nesting of Olive Ridleys remain complex; scientists continue to research aspects like ocean currents, temperature variations, and other environmental cues. Historical trends indicate fluctuations, as noted by wildlife experts, who observed irregularities over the past decade, with certain years reporting no mass nesting at all, linked to climatic anomalies.
Officials are hopeful for even greater numbers as the season progresses. Prem Kumar Jha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), remarked on the potential for nesting numbers to rise to 700,000 by the end of the season, which would demonstrate the successful efforts of both the government and the local community.
Despite their abundance this year, Olive Ridley turtles are classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union, underlining the continued urgency of conservation work. Each female lays approximately 50 to 100 eggs, which she buries within nests dug out using her flippers, providing eggs with a protected environment to develop.
Community engagement has been imperative to the success of these conservation strategies, as local fishermen, NGOs, and wildlife officials remain united under a common goal to create disturbance-free nesting habitats. Further protective measures, such as dimming lights near nesting areas to prevent the disorientation of hatchlings, have been enforced.
The blending of nature’s educational arena alongside local cultural narratives enhances the site’s significance. This phenomenon not only boosts biodiversity but also serves as a prime example of conservation success for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers worldwide, reaffirming Odisha’s status as pivotal for the species' survival.
Eyewitnesses have described the sight as awe-inspiring, with one Indian Forest Services officer, Parveen Kaswan, sharing captivating footage of the turtles. The shared excitement over such visuals has garnered massive viewership across social media platforms, connecting broader audiences with ecological movements.
This year's nesting spectacle at Rushikulya serves as not just a record-breaking event but as a reminder of the human responsibility to nurture the delicate balance between biodiversity and ecological conservation. With collective efforts yielding measurable results, the Olive Ridley turtles are poised to continue their remarkable legacy along India’s coasts.