Feature Stories
Freedom
By
Subhro Sen with inputs from Arjun Manna
Mr. Arjun Manna, Assistant Field Officer, WWF-India was on his way to inspect a pilot plantation site along the west coast of Mousuni Island where walking over the embankment which acts as a boundary between sea facing sandy beach front and human habitat on the opposite side. He observed an olive ridley turtle tied with a string. The property belonged to Sheikh Ajed Ali Khan and on further probing Arjun was told that at least two turtles headed to this beach previous night for laying eggs and were caught. Arjun has also been able to track another missing turtle with Mr. Dilip Hazra.
Unfortunately turtles are delicious food item for locals over this island. Certain section do relish eating it while another don’t. So, these turtles were about to be sold when recovered. Initially Arjun tried to make them aware about its value and its importance as a natural asset. He also told about its endangered species status just like tigers and elephants, the Olive Ridley turtle is protected under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Violation entails imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years or with fine, which may extend to Rs.25,000 or with both.
Later he also warned them that if these turtles are not released then he will report this incident to local forest authorities. They immediately agreed to release these turtles in the river.
Indian state of Orissa (east coast) is globally known for having many olive ridley turtles mass nesting sites. Unique geographic location of Mousuni Island presents an opportunity of being a natural choice for Olive ridley turtles to lay eggs. They visit this island between months of March and May every year. It has been observed that due to ever increasing human population all over this island turtles mostly visit after dark over the sandy beaches.
Forest department staffs rarely visit this island and islanders are also not aware about turtle’s importance. During the months between July and December many turtles (may be of many other species) get caught in fishing nets and drown. However, WWF-India’s presence on this island, its monitoring capacity and awareness generation activity is changing the scenario. People do not harm turtles anymore unknowingly.
Subhro Sen with inputs from Arjun Manna
Mr. Arjun Manna, Assistant Field Officer, WWF-India was on his way to inspect a pilot plantation site along the west coast of Mousuni Island where walking over the embankment which acts as a boundary between sea facing sandy beach front and human habitat on the opposite side. He observed an olive ridley turtle tied with a string. The property belonged to Sheikh Ajed Ali Khan and on further probing Arjun was told that at least two turtles headed to this beach previous night for laying eggs and were caught. Arjun has also been able to track another missing turtle with Mr. Dilip Hazra.
Unfortunately turtles are delicious food item for locals over this island. Certain section do relish eating it while another don’t. So, these turtles were about to be sold when recovered. Initially Arjun tried to make them aware about its value and its importance as a natural asset. He also told about its endangered species status just like tigers and elephants, the Olive Ridley turtle is protected under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Violation entails imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years or with fine, which may extend to Rs.25,000 or with both.
Later he also warned them that if these turtles are not released then he will report this incident to local forest authorities. They immediately agreed to release these turtles in the river.
Indian state of Orissa (east coast) is globally known for having many olive ridley turtles mass nesting sites. Unique geographic location of Mousuni Island presents an opportunity of being a natural choice for Olive ridley turtles to lay eggs. They visit this island between months of March and May every year. It has been observed that due to ever increasing human population all over this island turtles mostly visit after dark over the sandy beaches.
Forest department staffs rarely visit this island and islanders are also not aware about turtle’s importance. During the months between July and December many turtles (may be of many other species) get caught in fishing nets and drown. However, WWF-India’s presence on this island, its monitoring capacity and awareness generation activity is changing the scenario. People do not harm turtles anymore unknowingly.
Rescued Olive Ridley Turtle