Odisha Releases WII-Adani Olive Ridley Study Revealing New Turtle Movement Patterns

Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister of State Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia on Saturday released the first-year report of a three-year Wildlife Institute of India (WII) study on Olive Ridley turtles.

The research combines satellite telemetry, boat surveys and shoreline analysis to study turtle movements, habitat use, migration and nesting along Odisha’s coast.

The Odisha Wildlife Organisation, Forest Department, Dhamra Port Co Ltd. (DPCL) and Adani Foundation partnered with WII on the initiative.

Satellite telemetry tracked 10 turtles over 1,748 days and revealed distinct movement patterns between males and females. Male turtles began offshore migration earlier, while females stayed closer to the coast for longer.

One female travelled 6,719 km over 271 days and reached waters east of Sri Lanka. Another covered nearly 200 km between Gahirmatha and Rushikulya before returning.

Boat surveys during the 2025-26 nesting season recorded 1,390 individual turtles and 67 mating pairs. Most sightings occurred within two kilometres of the coastline.

WII Senior Scientist Dr R. Suresh Kumar said the study renewed satellite tracking in Odisha after nearly 15 years. He said the findings would support evidence-based conservation planning and long-term management strategies.

Adani Foundation Chairperson Dr Priti G Adani said the Olive Ridley forms an important part of Odisha’s natural heritage. She welcomed Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s focus on sustainability and environmental conservation.

Odisha hosts major Olive Ridley nesting sites at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya. The species receives the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

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