CONTEXT:
- Carcasses of endangered Olive Ridley turtles were seen washed up on the shore at several places in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.
- Tourists visiting the beaches expressed concern over the mortality of olive ridley turtles.
- The villagers have also said that injuries were found on some of the carcasses of the turtles.
About Olive Ridley Turtles
- These are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world.
- They are found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans.
- They are known for mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of female turtles gather together on the beach to lay eggs.
- They are carnivores.
- IUCN status: vulnerable
MASS NEST SITES IN INDIA
- Gahirmatha Beach in Odisha
- Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha
- Devi River Mouth in Odisha