In a remarkable find, conservationists have uncovered nesting sites of the highly endangered Cantor’s giant softshell turtle on the banks of Chandragiri River in Kerala.
About Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle
- Also called Asian giant softshell turtle
- Among largest freshwater turtle species
- Nocturnal and typically found buried in sand/mud with only eyes and mouth exposed
- Omnivorous; feeds on aquatic plants, insects, fish etc.
Key Threats
- Habitat loss due to sand mining, pollution, hydropower projects
- Hunted extensively for meat due to huge size
- Eggs collected by locals for consumption
Conservation Status
- Critically Endangered as per IUCN Red List
- Placed under Schedule 1 of Indian Wildlife Act
- In Appendix II of CITES
Significance of Recent Nest Discovery
- Provides first-ever proof of nesting activities in the region
- Underscores urgency for protection efforts to prevent extinction
- Chance to study breeding ecology of this rare species
- Opportunity to create undisturbed habitats conducive for nesting
Going Ahead
- Dedicated turtle conservation reserves needed along known nesting sites
- Sensitizing local communities regarding ecological importance of turtles
- Approaching court to get legal safeguards against sand mining, dam threats
- Seeking global support to bolster conservation in a coordinated manner
Implications of the Rare Discovery
Spotlight on Overlooked Habitats
- Highlights western Ghats river systems as potential turtle nesting areas
- Previously surveyed stretches may have missed remote bank sites
- Calls for re-examination of habitats using updated technologies
Urgent Protection Needs
- Just 1 sighting in past decade as per wildlife records
- Risk of egg/hatchling poaching by locals
- Sand mining, quarrying in vicinity poses danger
- Land use changes can rapidly alter nesting environments
Behavioral Insights Gained
Breeding Traits
- Presence of 22 eggs shows first breeding details
- Suggests nesting period between December to March
- Eggs take 6-8 weeks for hatching into juveniles
Migration Range
- 50 km linear distance between habitat and nesting site
- Highlights connectivity between riverine systems
- Males possibly migrate to assist nesting females
Conservation Efforts Required
In-situ Initiatives
- Site monitoring, egg safeguarding till hatching
- Creating undisturbed sand banks for nesting
- Nature education drives involving local communities
Ex-situ Interventions
- Establishing captive breeding centers
- DNA profiling, maintained studbook records
- Regulated hatchling release post monsoon
International Cooperation
Engaging Global Expertise & Technology
- Seek technical support for GPS & satellite tagging
- Automated infra-red beam turtle counting
- Assimilate global best practices on habitat management
Cross-border Knowledge Exchange
- Tri-nation partnerships with Bangladesh & Myanmar
- Shared database on sightings, mortality causes
- Facilitate exchange programs for rescue personnel
Catastrophic Decline
From an estimated 10,000 turtles a century ago globally, to just 250 odd individuals now, Cantor’s giant softshell has witnessed a catastrophic 97% decline due to hunting and habitat loss.
- Indigenous to India, Myanmar and Bangladesh region, barely any authentic sightings have occurred in the past decade as per records.
- The discovery of 4 nests along a small 30 km stretch in Kerala’s Chandragiri river throws fresh lifeline to saving this giant freshwater species from extinction.
Positional Advantage
Strategically, the location of these nesting sites discovered in Kerala holds significance considering the state government’s proactive conservation stance.
- Compared to threats from activities like uncontrolled tourism, hydropower projects, river pollution plaguing sites in other Indian states, Kerala’s average environmental standards could give a boost to habitat protection initiatives.
- The extensive backwater regions coupled with moderate human intervention zones gives Kerala an advantage in nurturing wetland species.
- The competitive edge is reflected even in turtle conservation outcomes. For instance, the captive breeding success rate for the spotted pond turtle in Kerala outperforms other states by significant margins.
- By capitalizing on these strengths involving administration and ecosystem aspects, the rare discovery of Cantor turtle nests offers a timely opportunity for salvaging the species from the brink in Kerala.
- The state forest department needs to take the lead by roping in subject experts, conservation agencies and local communities to build suitable nesting sanctuaries.
