Information Technology in Conservation, Monitoring and Mapping of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles: A Review

Abstract:

The Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is one of the most widely distributed marine turtle species and plays a vital role in maintaining marine ecosystem balance. Despite its ecological significance, the species faces numerous threats including habitat degradation, climate change, fisheries bycatch, marine pollution, and illegal harvesting. Recent advances in information technology have revolutionized wildlife conservation by providing innovative tools for monitoring, tracking, and protecting endangered species. This review examines the application of modern information technologies in the conservation and mapping of Olive Ridley sea turtles. Technologies such as satellite telemetry, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud computing, and citizen science platforms are discussed in detail. These technologies facilitate accurate monitoring of migration routes, habitat utilization, nesting beach dynamics, and threat assessment. The review also highlights the role of technological innovations in marine protected area planning, climate change adaptation strategies, and community participation in conservation programs. Furthermore, the challenges, limitations, and future prospects of integrating advanced technologies into sea turtle conservation are critically analyzed. The findings suggest that information technology has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of conservation programs and provides a strong foundation for evidence-based management and sustainable protection of Olive Ridley sea turtle populations worldwide.