Goemkarponn desk
CANACONA: The first batch of about 90 Baby Olive Ridley’s hatchlings were released into the Arabian Sea at Agonda Turtle Rehabilitation Centre late Friday evening, even as the two reserved Beaches, including Galgibaga in Canacona, bustles with the fresh laying of olive Ridley eggs.
The hatchlings were from the first nesting that took place on 31st December 2021, and 118 eggs were protected and hatched exactly after 50 days Incubation period, bringing cheers amongst the Forest department (Wildlife), which operates the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre’s at four of the Turtle Reserved Beaches of Goa including Galgibaga(Canacona), Morjim and Mandrem (Pernem).
‘Approximately 88 Olive Ridley babies are released into seawater late Friday evening after successful completion of the incubation period.’, informed RFO(Wildlife) Anant Velip.
According to forest (Wildlife) sources, there were about 20 more eggs still healthy in the pit, but given the mortality rate, it’s very unlikely that more are procreated to give babies in the days to come, though more babies are expected immediately after.
The procreation period for the Olive Ridley Eggs is literarily between 48- 55 days.
Incidentally, both the Canacona Turtle Reserved Beaches are bustling with the visits by mother flippers to lay eggs and presently together are playing hosts to 25 Pits protected at the twin Turtle Rehabilitation Centre’s.
Agonda, which received a series of 3 mother Olive Ridley’s in a matter of 4 days, presently hosts 17 pits and protects 1682 eggs, besides the one already hatched on Friday.
The other reserved Beach in Canacona at Galgibag protects 8 nesting with 870 Olive Ridley eggs.