Guwahati: In a first for the nation, a satellite-tagged endangered Ganges softshell turtle was released at Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), officials announced on Friday. The achievement was revealed on Endangered Species Day, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sharing the news on social media platform X. He wrote, “A first for India at Kaziranga! Marking Endangered Species Day, the country’s first satellite-tagged Ganges Softshell Turtle was released in Kaziranga, a major step for wildlife conservation. A proud moment for Assam as we continue to protect every species that calls our forests home.”
Significance of the Release
KNPTR director Sonali Ghosh highlighted that Assam is among the world’s top-priority regions for freshwater turtle conservation due to its remarkable diversity. The state is home to 21 species of turtles, making it one of the richest turtle habitats in Asia. Notably, of the eight softshell turtle species reported in India, five are found in Kaziranga alone. “The Ganges softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica), listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, can be identified by the distinct arrowhead-shaped markings on the top of its head,” Ghosh said. The species is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Research and Conservation Implications
Senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, Abhijit Das, explained that the satellite-tagging initiative will help researchers better understand the species’ seasonal movement patterns, home range, and critical habitats. “Understanding seasonal movement patterns, home range and identifying critical habitats such as nesting and breeding sites will help in the active management and conservation of softshell turtles in the Brahmaputra river basin,” Das said. This pioneering effort marks a significant step forward in the conservation of endangered freshwater turtles in India.
