the marine ecology of their area through a novel initiative. New project to the conservation of turtles, which is an endangered species, is a ‘turtle beach’ in the area, which has been providing much-needed support to the conservation of turtles.
Kolavipalam
beach is very close to Payyoli beach, which is around 4 kms away from Kottakkal
in Kozhikode district. Over the years, conservation efforts spearheaded by
residents in the area have developed into a mass movement and the activities of
the local conservationists are now being closely followed by the international
community. In addition, it has become a main centre of attraction for children
from around 250 schools in the area.
Kolavipalam
beach is well known for Olive Ridley turtles, which are one of the smallest of
all marine turtle species. Tourists visit here during the month of September to
catch a glimpse of the turtles and their breeding activities. One of the specialties
of this location is that it provides a safe breeding ground for the turtles.
September to March is the breeding season for the turtles and during this time,
they move closer to the shore for laying eggs during late nights and early
mornings.
Recent
reports show that around 831 Olive Ridley species hatched at a palm grove here.
They were later released into the sea by a group of nature lovers. Members of
the 'Theeram Nature Conservation Society' collected over 1,200 eggs laid by 11
turtles in the area during the nesting season.
Recently,
natives of Kolavipalam had taken initiatives to generate awareness among
residents of the coastal belt and the fisher folk who interact with the turtles
the most. Illegal sand mining around the estuary and plastic waste that has
accumulated here also cause serious threats to the turtles. The Kerala
Government is also putting more attention on preserving the natural breeding
grounds here with a view to conserve the turtles.
