220 Black Softshell Turtle Hatchlings Released in Kaziranga’s Conservation Drive

In a significant step for the conservation of one of Assam’s most threatened freshwater turtle species, 110 Black Softshell Turtle hatchlings were released on Thursday into the Sildubi Wetland in Panpur, under the Biswanath Wildlife Division of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP & TR). 

With this, the total number of hatchlings released this season has risen to 220. The first batch of 110 was introduced into Roumari Beel in the park’s Central Range on October 24.

Naduar MLA Padma Hazarika, who attended the event, underscored the role of freshwater turtles in maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems. He said the species serves as a crucial indicator of ecological balance in riverine habitats. Hazarika also acknowledged the joint efforts of the Nagshankar Temple Committee, KNP & TR authorities and the India Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP), which have been working together to revive the species’ dwindling population.

The ongoing initiative, led by the Assam Forest Department in collaboration with ITCP, involves rescuing turtle eggs laid on the premises of Nagshankar Temple, incubating them in controlled environments and releasing the hatchlings into suitable wetland habitats. Conservationists hope the effort will help stabilise Black Softshell Turtle numbers in the Brahmaputra landscape, where habitat loss and human interference have pushed the species to the brink.

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