Q. What is the IUCN status of 'Olive Ridley Turtles', recently seen in the news?
Answer:
Vulnerable
Notes: The Andhra Pradesh government has enforced a month-long fishing ban within a 5-km radius of Hope Island to safeguard Olive Ridley turtles along the Kakinada coast. Olive Ridleys, named for their green carapace, are the smallest sea turtles globally. Known for unique mass nesting called Arribada, they primarily inhabit warm waters in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha houses the world's largest rookery of sea turtles. With a Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List, Olive Ridleys face threats requiring protective measures.