TCF-funded in 2003/2004

Training for assessment of olive ridley populations in Orissa, India: The olive ridley nesting beaches along India's north western state of Orissa host the largest mass turtle nesting events, or arribadas, in the world, with some estimates suggesting that up to 1 million turtles nest along the coast each year. While the nesting beaches are protected, the nesting turtles are threatened by accidental capture and drowning in the mechanised shrimp trawling fleet that operates just offshore. Historical estimates of Orissa's olive ridley nesting population have been flawed, making it difficult to assess any trends in this potentially threatened population. With MCS support the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust trained local researchers in arribada event population estimates in order to develop a better idea of the conservation status of this magnificent wildlife spectacle.

Return to Turtle Conservation Fund.