The government has announced plans to build a dedicated Sea Turtle Rehabilitation and Conservation Center in Hiregutti, near Honnavar, in Uttara Kannada. The initiative aims to protect sea turtle eggs and study the species’ migration patterns through local collaboration, microchip implantation, and satellite tracking.
Each year, thousands of sea turtles nest along the state’s coastal areas, with their eggs vulnerable to threats from poachers and predators. This has led to an urgent need for organized conservation efforts to ensure the survival of the species.
To address these challenges, the Forest Department will partner with local communities to identify and safeguard turtle nesting sites. The eggs will be shielded by tents and protective nets to prevent damage from animals such as dogs and other predators. The eggs, which typically take 40-60 days to hatch, will be continuously monitored until the hatchlings are released back into the sea.
The new rehabilitation center in Hiregutti will provide a controlled environment to ensure the protection and safe development of turtle eggs. The center will play a crucial role in supporting long-term conservation efforts.
Additionally, from December to March, the government will implement a satellite tracking program involving the implantation of microchips in select turtles. This initiative aims to gather data on the turtles’ movements and behavior in coastal regions. The Forest Department will collaborate with the Wildlife Institute of India to analyze the microchip data, gaining valuable insights into migration routes, habitat preferences, and behaviors.
By tracking the turtles’ movements, researchers hope to better understand their migratory patterns, the length of time they spend in particular coastal areas, and the types of environments they favor. This information will help shape future conservation strategies.
Last year, 26,500 turtle eggs were discovered and successfully protected in the Honnavar region, with the hatchlings released safely into the ocean, further advancing the region’s conservation efforts.
C.K. Yogish, Deputy Conservator of Forests for the Honnavar Division, emphasized the significance of the rehabilitation center and microchip tagging in understanding sea turtle behavior. He noted that the data gathered will contribute to the development of a comprehensive action plan for future conservation initiatives.
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