A surge in commercial activities along the Visakhapatnam coast in India's southern Andhra Pradesh state could pose a threat to the vulnerable Olive Ridley turtles, an environmental official said.
"There are many reasons why [the] Olive Ridley turtle is becoming endangered. Everybody is aware of the fast pace development taking place along the coast. Maybe because of those reasons, maybe because of other commercial activities, some industries are coming up along the coast," Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Visakhapatnam circle, N Prateep Kumar said.
Mr Kumar added hatcheries had been created along the seashore to protect the eggs.
The nesting activity can be affected due to increased human presence and dogs can also pose a risk as they sometimes attack and kill the turtles when they swim ashore to lay eggs on the beaches.
During winter, the endangered Olive Ridley turtles move to nesting places along the Orissa coast. The turtles return to the sea after the eggs hatch.
The Olive Ridley turtles take 25 to 30 years to reach adulthood
"One more reason that is cited for depleting the population of the Olive Ridley turtles is not using the TED device - it is the Turtle Excluder Device in the nets being used by the fishermen," explained Mr Kumar. "So, there are many reasons why this species is becoming endangered and awareness among the public those who go on the coast has to be increased, so as to protect this animal."
The Olive Ridley is among the smallest of the world's seven species of marine turtles, but it is the most numerous. There are around 800,000 nesting females, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). They grow to around 70cm long and adults weigh about 45kg. Their lifespan is around 50 to 60 years.
The Olive Ridley turtle is found in tropical regions of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. The turtles are listed in the endangered category because of their high mortality rates.
The turtles have been labelled vulnerable by the International Union of Conservation of Nature.
3 News / Reuters