Bangladesh probes mysterious deaths of over 80 Olive Ridley turtles: Video
Authorities in Bangladesh are investigating the deaths of over 80 turtles found washed ashore over the past week, the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute announced Thursday.
The deceased turtles are mostly olive ridley sea turtles, a relatively small but globally abundant species that thrive in tropical waters and can live up to 50 years.
Shimul Bhuiyan, a scientific officer at the institute, revealed that more than 80 percent of the turtles were females, likely coming ashore to lay eggs. "This is concerning as it impacts future turtle populations," Bhuiyan told AFP.
Olive ridley turtles face declining numbers and have suffered periodic mass die-offs, including a similar event earlier this month in southern India.
Experts are now working to determine the cause of the latest incident along the Bangladeshi coast.
The olive ridley sea turtle is named for its heart-shaped shell, which features a distinctive olive-green hue. It is one of the smallest sea turtle species in the world.
