Leatherback turtles are the largest sea turtles globally, recognized for their distinctive features and significant role in marine ecosystems. Classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these turtles help maintain ecological balance, primarily by controlling jellyfish populations.
In India, leatherback turtles predominantly nest in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Historically, they were found nesting along the mainland, but their nesting range has diminished significantly over the past century, now primarily confined to these islands.
Annually, over 1,000 leatherback nests are recorded in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This statistic underscores the region's global importance for turtle conservation efforts, making it a critical area for research and protective measures.
A recent report titled “Monitoring Sea Turtles in India 2008–2024” by Dakshin Foundation highlights significant nesting populations in the Andaman Islands and one site in Sri Lanka, connecting these locations to broader global conservation efforts.
Surveys conducted between 2016 and 2019 revealed that the Great and Little Nicobar Islands exhibit high nesting density for leatherback turtles. Notably, 94% of leatherback nests are concentrated in the Nicobar group, emphasizing its ecological significance.
Leatherback turtles face numerous threats, including habitat destruction caused by development projects, climate change, coastal erosion, beach lighting, and increased human activity. Concerns have been specifically raised regarding the Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project, which affects critical nesting areas.
Over the last 60 years, the global population of leatherback turtles has declined by approximately 40%. Populations in the Pacific are particularly at risk of extinction, necessitating urgent conservation actions.
In contrast, the green turtle population in Lakshadweep has seen a resurgence since the early 2000s due to effective conservation initiatives. However, no recent nesting records for leatherbacks exist on mainland India, signaling potential gaps in their conservation.
Arribadas refer to the mass nesting events of olive ridley turtles. Their unpredictable nature is being studied, but high numbers of turtles observed offshore suggest that their population is not declining at a rapid pace.
The stability of leatherback nesting in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands highlights the ecological importance of preserving undisturbed coastal habitats. These nesting beaches represent some of the last strongholds for leatherbacks in the Indian Ocean, underscoring the need for continued conservation efforts.
Q1. What is the conservation status of leatherback turtles?
Answer: Leatherback turtles are classified as "vulnerable" by the IUCN, indicating they face significant threats and declining populations globally.
Q2. Where do leatherback turtles nest in India?
Answer: Leatherback turtles primarily nest in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a significant decline in nesting on the mainland over the years.
Q3. What are the main threats to leatherback turtles?
Answer: The primary threats include habitat destruction, climate change, coastal erosion, and human activities that interfere with their nesting sites.
Q4. How many nests are recorded annually for leatherback turtles?
Answer: Over 1,000 nests are documented each year in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, emphasizing the region's importance for conservation.
Q5. What are the implications of declining leatherback populations?
Answer: The decline of leatherback turtles can disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting species diversity and the balance of marine life, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Question 1: Where do leatherback turtles predominantly nest in India?
A) Kerala
B) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
C) Lakshadweep
D) Goa
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What percentage of leatherback nests are found in the Nicobar group?
A) 50%
B) 75%
C) 94%
D) 100%
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which project poses threats to leatherback turtle nesting areas?
A) Coastal Development Plan
B) Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project
C) Marine Conservation Initiative
D) Turtle Protection Program
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How much has the global leatherback population declined in the last 60 years?
A) 20%
B) 30%
C) 40%
D) 50%
Correct Answer: C
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