03/02/2026
Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting (Egg Laying)
The Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is one of the most frequently nesting sea turtle species along the Sri Lankan coastline. These turtles usually come ashore at night to lay their eggs, choosing quiet, dark beaches with soft sand.
Nesting Process
When an Olive Ridley turtle comes ashore, she carefully selects a nesting site above the high-tide line. Using her rear flippers, she digs a flask-shaped nest in the sand and lays her eggs inside.
• Number of eggs per nest: Approximately 80–120 eggs
• Egg appearance: Round, white, soft-shelled (leathery)
• Nesting duration: About 45–60 minutes
• After laying the eggs, the turtle covers the nest with sand, camouflages it, and returns safely to the ocean.
Incubation Period
• Incubation time: Around 45–60 days
• The temperature of the sand plays a major role in determining the gender of the hatchlings
• Warmer sand produces more females, cooler sand produces more males
Hatching
When the eggs hatch, the baby turtles (hatchlings) work together to emerge from the nest. This usually happens at night, which helps protect them from predators and heat. The hatchlings then instinctively move toward the sea, guided by the natural light of the horizon.
Importance of Protection
Olive Ridley nests are highly vulnerable to:
• Egg poaching
• Predators (dogs, birds, monitor lizards)
• Flooding and erosion
• Artificial lights from nearby buildings
Because of these threats, nest protection and proper hatchery management are essential for increasing survival rates.
Conservation Status
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Olive Ridley turtles are protected under Sri Lankan wildlife laws.
Our Conservation Work
At Sea Turtles Sri Lanka, we actively protect Olive Ridley turtle eggs by:
• Monitoring nesting beaches
• Safely relocating eggs to protected hatcheries when necessary
• Maintaining natural incubation conditions
• Releasing healthy hatchlings into the ocean
• Educating visitors and local communities about turtle conservation
By protecting Olive Ridley turtle nests today, we help ensure the survival of this ancient marine species for future generations.