Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards strengthening marine conservation along the Odisha coast, the Odisha Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, has successfully carried out satellite tagging of Olive Ridley turtles.
The scientific initiative is expected to generate crucial data on the movement, migration patterns, and habitat use of the threatened species, the PCCF (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden said in a post on X.
Officials said the insights will help design more effective conservation strategies and improve protection measures along Odisha’s coastline, which is one of the largest nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles.
The tracking exercise will also aid in monitoring the turtles during their long migratory journeys across the ocean, ensuring better coordination among conservation agencies and timely intervention when required.
In a related development, authorities have reported a significant breakthrough in wildlife protection enforcement. The Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Baripada has convicted 11 individuals involved in the poaching of a tusker in the Similipal South Division.
The court awarded four years of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 25,000 each to the convicted persons. Officials described the verdict as a strong deterrent against wildlife crimes in the region.
With this conviction, enforcement agencies have successfully dismantled three traditional elephant poaching gangs operating in and around the Similipal Tiger Reserve. Forest officials termed it a major achievement in ongoing efforts to safeguard wildlife and curb illegal activities.
