Bhubaneswar, Oct. 21 -- An international research centre for Olive Ridley turtles is planned at Berhampur University in Odisha's Ganjam district. The centre aims to help researchers understand the turtles' migration, breeding and nesting patterns and strengthen conservation efforts.

The Forest Department, the Environmental Science Department of Berhampur University and the Zoological Survey of India's Gopalpur centre have jointly started efforts to establish the facility.

The Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district is known worldwide for the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles. The turtles travel long distances across the sea before reaching the coast to lay eggs on sandy beaches. After laying their eggs, the adult turtles return to ...