The beach access within the rookery operated area is limited, thereby creating a virtually undisturbed nesting and incubation area for the sea turtles. The coastline is characterized by natural vegetation, such as screw pine (Pandanus odoratissimus), half-flower tree (Scaevola taccada) and beach morning glory (Ipomea pes-caprae). Presence of predators of turtle eggs, such as dogs, lizards (Varanus salvator and Varanus bengalensis), mongoose (Herpestes sp.) and ghost crabs (Ocypode sp.) is common in and around the study site. Tidal amplitude is very low at Kosgoda. The slope of the beach is less than 30o and most of the beach area consists of fine sand.