Berhampur University to host international Olive Ridley turtle research centre

An international research centre dedicated to the study of endangered Olive Ridley turtles is proposed for Berhampur University in the Ganjam district of Odisha. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the state Forest Department, Berhampur University’s Department of Environmental Science, and the Zoological Survey of India’s Gopalpur centre.

The facility aims to enhance scientific understanding of the species' migration routes, breeding behaviors, and nesting patterns. The Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam is a globally significant site for the mass nesting of these turtles, which travel long distances across the ocean to lay eggs on sandy beaches.

Researchers intend to use the centre to address remaining questions regarding the turtles' life cycles and their ability to return to specific nesting sites. The centre is expected to facilitate collaboration between Indian and international researchers, utilizing technologies such as satellite tagging to develop more effective conservation and protection measures.