Nesting thrives: North Goa records 18,000 turtle eggs in 5 months of 2025

Panaji: Even as the turtle nesting season continues across the state, the beaches of North Goa have reported high numbers of olive ridley turtle eggs, with a total of 18,363 eggs recorded from Jan to May this year.Guided by the moonlight, 12,857 hatchlings were already released into the sea. More hatchlings are expected to be released in the coming weeks.“Goa has one of the greatest success stories in turtle nesting in India,” said the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), Kamal Datta. “There is spirited participation of our local communities in Goa in ensuring turtle conservation. Unlike many other regions, our villagers often accompany forest staff during pre-dawn patrols, reporting stranded turtles and ensuring their safety.

Their proactive stance was instrumental,” Datta told TOI.The olive ridley turtles, named for the distinctive olive hue of its heart-shaped shell, is among the world’s smallest sea turtles, but also the most widespread and abundant.The nesting season usually begins in the last week of Dec and continues till May-June.In the season so far, among the coastline’s many nesting sites, Agonda beach emerged as this season’s crown jewel.

March witnessed a spectacular display with 6,854 eggs carefully laid in its soft sands. At the northern end of the state, Keri beach saw the most modest activity, recording 100 eggs in May.Over the years, Goa has seen a steady increase in this species returning to its shores during the nesting season. In 2024, olive ridley turtles laid 45,493 eggs, breaking all previous records of the state. The data of the turtle nesting report, compiled by the wildlife authorities of the state forest department, reveals that last season, North Goa contained 22,528 eggs of which 15,146 hatchlings successfully made it into the sea.