Panaji: With the adoption of the state forest department better ways To make the turtle site comfortable for nesting in Morjim, this year has seen an increase in the number of nests.
Compared to last year’s 27 nests, there are a total of 43 nests as of March 6 this year, with each individual nest containing anywhere from 100-140 eggs. “This is a record nest in Morjim. This is the first time since 1999 that we have seen such a large number of nests,” a forest official told TOI.
Forest officials have made several changes to the nesting site since last year, which is believed to be the reason for the bumper hatch this year.
“Tourist activities and shanties are away from the high tide line. All the shacks on the beach are built on stilts without disturbing the sand dunes which ensures that there is no direct vibration on the surface of the beach. Direct lighting is not allowed on the beach even after 8 pm. The shanties currently operating on the beach are environmentally sensitive to turtle nests. These reasons need to be studied properly,” said the official.
The first group of chicks claimed the sea on March 1, leaving some nests for the tortoises to go for water. Morjim Beach His new home.
With the eggs expected to hatch by April, forest officials expect an 80 to 90% success rate for the hatchlings to survive.
A recent instance, where crackers were burst near the nesting site, has urged the wildlife section of the department to tighten protective measures in Morjim. “The matter is being investigated and we have come to know that the firecrackers were burnt off the beach. However, we are working with villagers and hut owners to take turtle-friendly measures,” the forest official said.
At Agonda beach, the nesting period has also started, but forest officials have recorded far fewer nests than last year.
“Trends are similar to last year. However, only 20 turtles have nests so far as compared to 35 nests last year. We will have to wait for the end of the season to see that,” said a forest official at the Agonda nesting site. whether the number increases or not.
Compared to last year’s 27 nests, there are a total of 43 nests as of March 6 this year, with each individual nest containing anywhere from 100-140 eggs. “This is a record nest in Morjim. This is the first time since 1999 that we have seen such a large number of nests,” a forest official told TOI.
Forest officials have made several changes to the nesting site since last year, which is believed to be the reason for the bumper hatch this year.
“Tourist activities and shanties are away from the high tide line. All the shacks on the beach are built on stilts without disturbing the sand dunes which ensures that there is no direct vibration on the surface of the beach. Direct lighting is not allowed on the beach even after 8 pm. The shanties currently operating on the beach are environmentally sensitive to turtle nests. These reasons need to be studied properly,” said the official.
The first group of chicks claimed the sea on March 1, leaving some nests for the tortoises to go for water. Morjim Beach His new home.
With the eggs expected to hatch by April, forest officials expect an 80 to 90% success rate for the hatchlings to survive.
A recent instance, where crackers were burst near the nesting site, has urged the wildlife section of the department to tighten protective measures in Morjim. “The matter is being investigated and we have come to know that the firecrackers were burnt off the beach. However, we are working with villagers and hut owners to take turtle-friendly measures,” the forest official said.
At Agonda beach, the nesting period has also started, but forest officials have recorded far fewer nests than last year.
“Trends are similar to last year. However, only 20 turtles have nests so far as compared to 35 nests last year. We will have to wait for the end of the season to see that,” said a forest official at the Agonda nesting site. whether the number increases or not.