Over 100 turtle hatchlings released into Pobitora wetland
Move seen as significant step in turtle conservation in Assam, which has 21 recorded species
Shillong, Sept 28: A total of 104 hatchlings of three turtle species—the Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans), Indian Tent Turtle (Pangshura tentoria), and Ganges Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica)—were released on Saturday into Hadug Beel in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Morigaon, marking a significant step in Assam’s turtle conservation efforts.
Assam is India’s most turtle-diverse state, with 21 recorded species, many threatened with extinction. Temple ponds, particularly the Haigriv Madhav Temple pond in Hajo, that supports 14 species, play a crucial role in their survival.
Following a long-standing conservation practice, the hatchlings from the Haigriv Madhav Temple were nurtured and quarantined under veterinary care at the Assam State Zoo before being released into the wild. This approach has been vital for the recovery of the Black Softshell Turtle, once declared Extinct in the Wild by the IUCN and now listed as Critically Endangered.
The chosen release site, Hadug Beel, is a perennial wetland that is linked to the Brahmaputra River during floods, providing an ideal and sustainable habitat for turtles, fish, and other aquatic wildlife.
With enhanced protection in recent years, Hadug Beel has become a haven for aquatic biodiversity. This release reaffirms Assam’s leadership in turtle conservation and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in securing the future of endangered species.
