A mega port in India threatens the survival of the largest turtles on Earth

In a remote archipelago at the southernmost tip of India lies the Great Nicobar Island. This pristine ecosystem is a globally important nesting site of the largest turtles on Earth—leatherback turtles. But now, the site ...

The Indian government recently granted key approvals for an international container port on the island, which may prevent leatherback turtles from reaching their nesting sites. Great Nicobar Island spans about 1,000 square kilometers and lies about halfway between India and Thailand. It is home to the indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese people , and a rich diversity of plant and animal species .

To date, the island has remained relatively untouched by large-scale development. The port proposal would change that. A critically endangered turtle population Leatherback turtles can grow up to two meters long and weigh as much as 700 kilograms. The species has existed since the age of the dinosaurs, but its numbers are in decline. The sub-population of turtles that nests at Galathea Bay, where the port would be built, is listed as critically endangered . The turtles forage in temperate coastal waters in Australia and Africa, before making the long annual journey to the island.

Great Nicobar Island lies at the southernmost tip of India. Credit: Wikimedia Read more

The plan includes building a international container port on a globally important nesting site of the world’s largest turtle species – the leatherback sea turtle. Credit: Shutterstock Read more

The Nicobar long-tailed macaque is among the species likely to lose habitat if the project proceeds. Credit: Shutterstock Read more