Goa's turtle-nesting beaches await its annual visitors

Franky Gracias

TURTLEY AWESOME

On November 16, 2023, the first Olive Ridley turtle of the season arrived on Agonda beach and laid 150 eggs.

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NESTING PLACE

Mandrem and Morjim in North Goa and Agonda and Galgibaga in South Goa are the designated turtle-nesting sites under the Goa Forest (Wildlife Division) Department.

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SHIFTING SEASON

In the last five years, the arrival pattern of these annual visitors has shifted from October to December.

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ANXIOUSLY AWAITED

In the next two weeks, Goa is expecting some more Olive Ridley arrivals for laying eggs.

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IN NEED OF PEACE

Though there are four designated turtle-nesting sites in Goa, the turtles also lay eggs on other beaches that are quiet, dark and peaceful.

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EVERY EGG COUNTS

The eggs laid on other beaches are rehabilitated at one of the four designated sites.

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SEA BOUND

Once a female turtle lays the eggs, it never returns to them. The hatchlings are left to fend for themselves and find their way to the sea upon emerging.

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TURTLES FOR A BETTER PLANET

The Forest Department is expecting the arrival of season's first Olive Ridleys on Galgibaga beach this month.

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