CANACONA
The New Year brought in cheer for forest guards manning the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (TRC) at Agonda coast when an Olive Ridley turtle came to the shore on Thursday and laid 127 eggs.
The forest guards at the TRC later shifted the eggs to a pit which is protected by a cage and guarded by personnel.
The second TRC, which is in Galgibaga beach, is already protecting 135 eggs which were laid on Christmas eve.
The forest department (wildlife) engages locals from villages to guard the turtle nesting sites at the TRCs in Agonda and Galgibaga beach coasts. The other two turtle nesting sites are at Morjim and Mandrem beaches in Pernem taluka.
The forest guards take rounds along the beach coast to look out for turtle nesting sites. If they notice such sites, the pit is opened and the Olive Ridley eggs are relocated at the TRC and guarded till they are hatched and ready to be released into the sea.
The turtle nesting season takes place between October and April.
