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Chennai Protects Turtle Eggs with Coastal Hatcheries
5 Jan
Summary
- Four hatcheries established along Chennai coast for Olive Ridley turtles.
- Hatchlings now released at twilight to minimize predation.
- Chennai wildlife authorities patrol beaches to secure nests.
Wildlife authorities in Chennai have established four dedicated hatcheries along the coast to safeguard Olive Ridley sea turtle eggs during their nesting season, which is currently underway. These crucial conservation sites are situated in Pulicat, Besant Nagar, Neelankarai, and Kovalam, with operations expected to continue until May, marking the end of the egg-hatching period for the Tamil Nadu coast.
Field staff have intensified beach patrols and turtle walks, particularly in the Besant Nagar-Neelankarai area, successfully locating and securing several nests. For instance, nests found at Uroor Kuppam and Thiruvanmiyur yielded 94 and 111 eggs respectively. These were carefully transferred and reburied in protected pits at the Besant Nagar hatchery, designed to replicate natural nesting environments.
In a significant conservation effort, hatchlings are now exclusively released during twilight hours. This strategic shift from daytime releases, when they were vulnerable to predators like crows and dogs, has markedly improved their chances of survival and reaching the sea safely. Conservationists are hopeful for lower mortality rates this season.
