Source: The post is based on the article “Missile testing paused in Odisha to save sea turtles” published in “TOI” on 9th December 2023
Why in the News?
To help protect Olive Ridley sea turtles during their nesting season, Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has decided to stop testing missiles at Wheeler Island near Odisha’s coast from January to March, 2024.
What are Olive Ridley Turtles?
| Specifications | Details |
| What is it | These are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. |
| Habitat | They are found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. |
| Diet | They are carnivores. |
| Mass Nesting | 1) They are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. 2) The coast of Odisha in India is the largest mass nesting site for the Olive Ridley. 3) Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the world’s largest known rookery (breeding colony) of the Olive Ridley sea turtles. |
| IUCN Red List | Vulnerable |
| CITES | Appendix I |
| Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Schedule I |
| Threats | 1) Poor fishing practices. 2) Hunted for food and their oil. Unhatched eggs and shells on the sand are used as fertilizers. 3) Missile testing, mechanized boats and movement of people adversely impact the mass nesting and breeding. |
| Initiatives | Indian Coast Guard undertakes “Operation Olivia” every year. It is an Olive Ridley Turtle protection program. |
Where is Wheeler Island?
1) Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island is an island off the coast of Odisha, India.
2) The island was originally named after English commandant Lieutenant Wheeler.
3) The Integrated Test Range missile testing facility is located on the island and serves as the test facility for most of India’s missiles such as the Agni, Prithvi, etc.
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