Rare Male Green Turtle Surfaces on Shrivardhan Coast

The Shrivardhan coast in Raigad district has recorded a first: the sighting of a male green sea turtle. This rare event occurred recently when a fully-grown male, weighing 200kg and measuring over six feet long, washed ashore near Bagmandla village. Forest officials confirmed this is the inaugural documented instance of a male green sea turtle in this specific region.

This discovery is particularly noteworthy as female green sea turtles have been observed along the Konkan coastline and in creeks previously, but never a male. The turtle, found without visible injuries, was likely carried ashore due to low tide. Its safe release back into the ocean was facilitated by a coordinated effort involving forest guards, turtle experts, volunteers, and local community members.

Kanchan Pawar, divisional forest officer, emphasized the sighting's importance, stating it underscores the Konkan coastline's ecological richness and the ongoing need for marine conservation and community involvement. The green sea turtle, though now listed as 'least concern' by the IUCN, benefits from such conservation awareness and timely reporting when found ashore.