Indian biologist Shailendra Singh has recently been conferred with the prestigious Behler Turtle Conservation Award. This accolade recognises Singh’s instrumental role in saving three critically endangered turtle species from potential extinction.
The Behler Turtle Conservation Award, often described as the “Nobel Prize” of Turtle Conservation, was established in 2006 to honor individuals and organizations excelling in the fields of tortoise and freshwater turtle conservation and biology. Key participants in the award include the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Turtle Conservancy, and Turtle Conservation Fund.
Conserving India’s Endangered Turtles
India is home to 29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises. Three such species, currently critically endangered, are being conserved under TSA India’s research, conservation breeding, and education programmes across various regions of the country.
The Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska) conservation efforts are focused in the Sunderbans. The Red-crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) is being protected at Chambal, while the Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) conservation takes place across different temples in Assam.
Understanding the Northern River Terrapin
Northern River Terrapins naturally inhabit the Sundarbans eco-region. These creatures are listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List and are also included in Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Historical exploitation for local subsistence, ritualistic consumption, and regional trade, particularly supply to the Calcutta markets in the 19th and 20th centuries, is mainly responsible for their endangerment.
The Plight of Red-crowned Roofed Turtle
Historically, the Red-crowned Roofed Turtle was widespread in the Ganga River in India and Bangladesh and also in the Brahmaputra basin. However, the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary in India is currently the only place housing a significant population of this species. This turtle species is critically endangered due to habitat degradation from pollution, large-scale developmental activities, water extraction for human consumption and irrigation, and irregular flow from upstream dams and reservoirs.
Focus on Black Softshell Turtle
Black Softshell Turtles are often found in northeastern India’s temple ponds and Bangladesh. Additionally, their distribution range extends to the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. Despite being listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List and included in Appendix I of CITES, they do not have any legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Major threats to this turtle species include consumption of their meat and eggs, silt mining, encroachment upon wetlands, and changes in flooding patterns.
Sea Turtles of Indian Waters
Compared to terrapins (freshwater turtles) and tortoises, sea turtles are larger in size. Five sea turtle species inhabit Indian waters, namely the Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Leatherback. The Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Loggerhead are categorized as ‘Vulnerable’, the Hawksbill as ‘Critically Endangered’, and the Green Turtle as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. All these species are protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.