STATUS OF SEA TURTLES IN INDIA WITH EMPHASIS ON ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

Abstract

Five species of the sea turtles viz. olive ridley, green, hawksbill, leatherback and loggerhead make their habitats along the Indian coast. Except for the Loggerhead Caretta caretta, all other four species nest along the Indian coast. Olive ridley is the most common and well known for 'arribadas' or annual mass nesting. The occurrence of four species of sea turtles viz. olive ridley, green, hawksbill and leatherback has been reported in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and among them Green turtle is the most common and nests year around. Nine seagrass species make their habitats along Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The seagrass meadows in Andaman and Nicobar islands are small and their distribution is discontinuous all along the coast. Also, fifty five species of seaweeds have been recorded in Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands. In recent years, the turtles migrating to the Indian waters are on the decline due to habitat disturbance and growing mechanized fishing in inshore waters near nesting beaches. Considering the threat to the sea turtles, all the five species have been given legal protection under schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972). But concentrated and dedicated efforts with peoples participation is needed to safeguard these turtles.