Guwahati, Dec 6: A remarkable success story has unfolded in wildlife conservation as Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (KTR) and TSA Foundation India (TSAFI) have teamed up to protect the threatened freshwater Black Softshell Turtle, a species endemic to the Brahmaputra basin.
Classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces an uncertain future. Recognizing this urgent need for conservation, the Assam Forest Department and TSAFI launched a joint initiative aimed at the recovery of the species across the North Bank Landscape of Assam, with a focus on the Biswanath Wildlife Division of KTR.
A pivotal part of this initiative involves protecting and artificially incubating turtle eggs collected from Nagshankar Temple in Biswanath district. Each year, hundreds of eggs, vulnerable to predators like mongoose and feral dogs, are carefully gathered and incubated under expert supervision. After approximately three months, the hatchlings receive neonatal care before being released into selected wetlands during the post-monsoon season. A small portion of the hatchlings undergo a head-starting process for future release, ensuring long-term conservation success.
The pilot release event was graced by MLA Padma Hazarika, on December 5 who emphasized the importance of community participation and awareness in turtle conservation. Mr Khagesh Pegu, Divisional Forest Officer of Biswanath Wildlife Division, stressed the need for more conservation programs modelled after the Nagshankar Temple initiative. Sushmita Kar, Project Coordinator for TSA Foundation India, highlighted the crucial ecological role of the Black Softshell Turtle, calling them the “Vultures of the Water” for their vital scavenging contribution to aquatic ecosystems.
The event saw widespread support, with attendees including the Secretary of the Nagshankar Temple Committee, students and teachers from Kusumtola High School, local community representatives, and forest staff.
Since the project’s launch, over 600 Black Softshell Turtles have been successfully released back into their natural habitat. Each release site undergoes thorough habitat suitability assessments to ensure the turtles’ survival and smooth integration into the wild. The success of this initiative offers hope for the future of this critically endangered species and stands as a model for other conservation efforts.
