Missile Launches Cause Concern Over Lepidochelys olivacea Nesting in India
An alarming turn of events on Abdul Kalam Island has raised great concern for the nesting Lepidochelys olivacea near Gahiramatha beach. Recently the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) fired a supersonic endo-atmospheric Advanced Area Defence (AAD) interceptor missile from the island which raised the alarm for scientists. They worry that the sea turtles will no longer return to nest on these beaches in the future, with fatal effects on their wild population. According to Hemant Rout, environmentalist and president of Marine Turtle and Mangrove Conservation Society (MTMCS), the act of firing the missile was illegal at this time of year, and he doubts that the sea turtles will ever return to this location. Approximately 601,907 sea turtles have nested on these beaches, and the effects of the missile launch are a grave reality for these amazing animals.
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Species Facts…
The species Terrapene carolina triunguis, commonly known as the Three-toed Box Turtle most often possesses three toes on the hind feet, hence the name; however, specimens can be located with four toes on each hind foot. Using the number of toes is therefore not an accurate method for differentiating the sub-species.
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Photo from Express News Service.