• Olive Ridley turtles are sea turtles known for their olive-colored carapace.
• They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
• Unique mass nesting behavior (Arribada), where thousands of females lay eggs in synchronized waves on the same beach.

• Found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
• Largest rookery (breeding colony) is at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha, India.
• Other major nesting sites include Devi River mouth (discovered in 1981) and Rushikulya river mouth (discovered in 1994).
• Protection Status:

1. IUCN Status: Vulnerable
2. CITES: Appendix I (No international trade)
3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (Highest level of protection)

• Project Olivia by Indian Coastguard to protect the Olive Ridley turtles, especially after the Gahirmatha rookery recognition.
• Legal protections and environmental regulations safeguard nesting sites and prevent poaching.
• Olive Ridley Protection Program ensures the safety of nests and hatchlings.

PYQ:

[2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

(a) Saltwater crocodile

(b) Olive ridley turtle

(c) Gangetic dolphin

(d) Gharial