A rare food habit arguably adopted by the people living along the Andhra Pradesh coast is posing a threat to Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea).
After the coronavirus pandemic, the coastal communities, particularly those living along the Machilipatnam coast, have started consuming the eggs of Olive Ridleys. The rich medicinal and nutritional value of the eggs is being cited as the reason for it.
Olive Ridley is recognised as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list. Any harm to the species is punishable under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
