31-मार्च-2012 - 01-एप्रिल-2012
VELAS :- The Turtle Village.
Amazing Landscapes, Delightful Wild Life and Untouched beach is called Velas which is tranquil village on the Konkan coastal of Maharashtra.
Very small place from India but known to globe for their famous Olive Ridley turtle conservation activity from last almost 10 year.
This is one of the famous site for Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings.
Sea turtles, are one of the few animals that eat sea grass. Sea grass needs to be constantly cut short to help it grow across the sea floor. Sea turtles act as grazing animals that cut the grass short and help maintain the health of the sea grass beds. Sea grass beds provide breeding and developmental grounds for numerous species of fish, shellfish etc.
sea grass are essential breeding and development areas for many species of fish and other marine life. A decline or loss of sea grass beds would damage these populations, triggering a chain reaction and negatively impacting marine and human life.
Though turtle is important factor in eco system , Marine sea turtles are caught worldwide for their flesh and shell. Specific species of marine sea turtles are targeted not for their flesh, but for their shells which can be used in ornaments and can be used for paper weight.
Considering the importance of sea turtles in the marine ecosystem, Villagers in Velas taken the lead to protect marine turtles and ensured the subsequent safe release of their hatchlings.
During their breeding season, Olive Ridley turtle come for laying eggs on Velas beach. At a time almost 100 to 150 eggs can be laid. Villagers search for such eggs on beach and bring it to safe place ( Nests ). There are total 17 nest which completely inside sand and used for hatchlings. Incubation period is almost 40 to 45 days. Turtle hatchling process is totally natural process and after 45 days, in morning hours (till 7.00 am) and in evening (after 5.30 pm) baby turtles leaves in sea.
Velas is one of the active participants in the world of Nature Conservation which is real inspiration for every one.
Species Detail are below.
Species Name :- Olive Ridley
Nest On :- Tropical Beaches World Wide
Occur in :- Tropical water Weight :- 50 kg
Carapace Length :- 60 to 70 cm
Shape: -Short and wide, carapace smooth but elevated and tent shaped
Colour :- Mid to dark Olive green
Palstron :- Creamy yellow, pore near rear margin of Infra marginal’s
Shape of the Head:- Large and Triangular
Limbs:- Two Claws on each Flapper.
Diet:- Invertebrates like jelly fish, snails, Shrimps etc
Breeding Season :- Throughout the year, Primarily November to March Period of Nesting :- Night
Clutch / Season:- 1 to 3 times
Re-Nesting Interval :- 20 to 28 Days
Remigration interval:- 1 to 2 Year
Number of eggs:- 100 to 150
Incubation period:- 40 to 45 days
