Bhubaneswar: Setting a new record, 6,04,046 Olive Ridley turtles have laid eggs in between February 22 and March 1 at Nasi 1, Nasi 2 islands and nearby places of Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapara district this year.
According to forest department it is a record mass nesting of the turtles within the last 16 years. Earlier in 2001, in total 7,41,000 turtles had laid eggs at the Gahirmatha beach.
Many wild life experts and environmentalists are glad to know about the set record by the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.
Talking to media persons, Rajnagar DFO, Bimalprasanna Acharya said, "No one can enter the outer wheeler island and no such wildlife that can damage the eggs are present at the place. Besides, our staff of Bhadrak Wildlife Division are also present there."