India boosts to be world’s third turtle-rich country in the world after the USA and Mexico. It is the home to about 18% population of more than 356 species of turtles and tortoises in the world. Sushmita Kar wrote this article about a freshwater turtle of the region. She is a wildlife researcher working in the field of turtle and tortoise conservation.
Northeast India houses one of the five Turtle Priority Areas of India. It is blessed with a myriad biodiversity owing to a pristine blend of the Indo-Chinese, the Indo-Malayan and Peninsular environmental elements. This region holds a diversity of 23 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises. But unfortunately more than 50% of these appear in the IUCN Red List. But the modern generation are becoming more informed about the environmental issues. The conservation projects running in the region are very limited and working towards the preservation of only few of the threatened species.
Prioritizing scientific research and starting extensive surveys for documenting the turtles and tortoises in the wild in Northeast India is very important. Trade monitoring and protection of key habitats will help to bridge the gap between the unchecked decline and conservation management of these animals. Conservationists are working to make these protected areas the best chances of their survival. Participation of public and promotion by imparting awareness and education is the main concern.
This writeup about turtle conservation was written by Sushmita Kar. She is a wildlife researcher and conservationist currently working with the Turtle Survival Alliance. Also read her article about Cuora in Discover East.
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