Olive Ridley turtles show distinct movement patterns in Odisha study

A first-year report from a three-year research initiative has revealed distinct movement and habitat use patterns between male and female Olive Ridley turtles nesting on the Odisha coast. The study, led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in partnership with the Odisha Wildlife Organisation, Dhamra Port Co Ltd, and the Adani Foundation, utilized satellite telemetry, boat-based surveys, and shoreline analysis.

Findings indicate that male turtles begin offshore migration earlier than females, who tend to remain in nearshore waters for longer durations. Data showed significant travel distances, including one female that traveled 6,719 km over 271 days, reaching waters east of Sri Lanka. Other turtles were observed moving between Gahirmatha in Kendrapada and Rushikulya in Ganjam.

During the 2025-26 nesting season, boat-based surveys recorded 1,390 individual turtles and 67 mating pairs, with most sightings occurring within two kilometers of the coastline. Researchers emphasized that sustained monitoring is necessary to understand how these patterns influence the conservation of nesting habitats in Odisha, which hosts some of the world’s most critical nesting sites.