Bhubaneswar, April 26 -- In a development that has puzzled conservationists, endangered Olive Ridley turtle have skipped their annual mass nesting at the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara this year, marking the first such absence in over a decade.

Forest officials said extensive preparations were made at traditional nesting sites like Nasi 1, Nasi 2 and Eakakulanasi islands in anticipation of the arribada. However, despite early signs of activity, the turtles did not come ashore to lay eggs.

According to range officer Kapilendra Pradhan, large numbers of turtles had gathered in offshore waters after the mating season in February, a usual precursor to nesting. But instead of moving to the beaches, most of them eventually disperse...