New turtle nesting sites to be identified in Goa: Minister Rane

The Goa government will notify additional turtle nesting sites under the new Coastal Zone Management Plan and strengthen wildlife conservation efforts. Measures include involving students in turtle protection, expanding forest habitats, monitoring wildlife movement, regulating eco-tourism, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts

Panaji: The Goa government has decided to notify additional turtle nesting sites on the state’s shorelines, in addition to the existing four, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said.

Youngsters and school children will be involved in turtle conservation and educational activities, especially during the nesting season and release of hatchlings, Rane told reporters on Tuesday.

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The minister chaired a review meeting of the forest department on Tuesday, during which it was decided to include additional turtle nesting sites in the new Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).

The objections have been sent to the state Environment Department and the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to ensure that all turtle nesting sites are notified, Rane said.

“Four sites are currently notified, and additional sites are to be included in the new CZMP 2019,” he said.

The issue of a leopard cub’s death recently in North Goa’s Pernem taluka was also discussed during the meeting.

Rane said an inquiry has been initiated and the cause of death is being identified.

“The autopsy has been conducted, and the viscera sent to Gorewada Zoo in Maharashtra for analysis. Appropriate action to be initiated after the cause of death is established,” he said.

Issues like the requirement of an adequate road network in Mollem and other protected areas for effective patrolling and monitoring were also discussed in the meeting.

“A plan will be drawn up with timelines and milestones for the next five years,” Rane said.

In another decision, Rane said that native species will be planted in the state’s forest areas to improve nutrition availability.

“A per-year, per-protected-area target will be set. Native forestry species will be identified, with specific focus on fruit-bearing trees and grasslands to improve nutrition availability in forest areas and reduce the movement of monkeys, bisons, and leopards into human-inhabited areas,” he said.

On visitors rushing to waterfalls during the monsoon season, Rane decided that all operators/individuals conducting tours and treks in protected areas will mandatorily register with the chief wildlife warden in the interest of the safety of ecotourists.

“Entry will be regulated to ensure safety. Local community’s involvement in such activities is a must,” he said.

A decision was also taken in the meeting to increase the number of waterbodies in the protected areas, the minister said.

The forest department also decided that a wildlife movement, tracking and documentation study will be initiated to understand the patterns for better management and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

“World-class camera equipment will be put up in key locations, implemented through CSR partnerships,” he added.