The Theeram Nature Conservation Society (TNCS) kolavippalam is entitled for the Jci Payyoli's "Paristhithi Award 2011".
The Olive Ridley turtles, an endangered species, are back to lay eggs on the sands of Kolavippalam here even as their nesting grounds are fast disappearing by the uncontrolled sand mining at the Kottappuzha estuary.
Volunteers of the Theeram nature conservation society, which has been protecting Olive Ridley eggs since 1992. The first 124 eggs this year were spotted on the Aavikkal beach on November 4 followed by 134 eggs on the Payyoli beach. All the eggs have been transferred to the temporary hatchery in Kolavippalam to safeguard them from poachers and animals.
The turtles come to the shore late at night or early in the morning. They advance for around 30 m into the shore before they dig holes as deep as 1.5 ft to lay eggs. The turtles take much care to make sure that the eggs are not discovered by other animals. They cover the hole with
wet sand and then sprinkle dry sand above it. The whole process takes not more than 45 minutes. The eggs hatch in 40 to 60 days, absorbing the sun's heat and the baby turtles move into the sea. However, poachers and animals such as fox and mongoose manage to uncover the eggs and feast on them.
The Theeram society was formed to put an end to the destruction of the endangered species. The volunteers keep vigil all night during the months from September to March and transfer the eggs to the hatcheries as soon as the turtles leave.
The society is supported by the Forest Department to some extend. Over the years, the society has been able to create awareness in Kolavippalam and nearby areas regarding the importance of the eggs. Nowadays, the local residents inform the society whenever they spot a turtle or an egg.
