Berhampur: GPS Tagging of Olive Ridley sea turtles have begun in the deep sea near Rushikulya river mouth to know about the behavioural pattern of the rare species. The GPS tagging is being jointly done by forest department and Zoological Survey of India.
Sources said the tagging is being done after 25 years. Reports said the tagging was first done way back in 1994-96.
Berhampur DFO Amlan Nayak and researchers of Zoological Survey of India Dr Basudev Tripathy and Dr Anil Mohapatra are involved in tagging of turtles. They are engaged in the activity in the deep sea to complete the job effectively.
Nearly 8000 Olivey Ridleys were tagged 25 years ago. In this season nearly 30000 turtles will be tagged. The purpose of tagging is to throw light on the nestling and find out the regions in which they prefer to gather for laying eggs.
The researchers are of the view that tagging will enable them to find more information about the endangered species.
Worthwhile to mention that coastal regions like Padampeta, Gokharkuda, Niladripur, Purunabandha and Sunupur have been spruced up for allowing the turtles to lay eggs. The forest officials said their security matter is of prime importance and added that the turtles will be protected at any cost.
