An awareness event was organised in the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden on World Turtle Day. And the event falls on the 23rd of May and aims to spread awareness about turtles.
The event was organised by the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation- India and the state zoo. Dr Ashwini Kumar, director of the state zoo attended the event as the chief guest and Professor Saibal Sengupta of Assam Don Bosco University attended as the guest of honour.
An interactive session and a trek were organised as a part of the awareness event. The trek was carried out in the Hengrabari Reserve Forest. The plight of turtles and the need for awareness were discussed in the interactive session. These were followed by a signature campaign towards turtle conservation in the country. Over 300 guests and walk-in public attended the event including students from several educational institutions of the city.
The experts pointed out that the plains of the Brahmaputra are a hotspot for turtles. And it is the home for over 70% of India’s freshwater turtles and tortoise diversity. This region is also one of the turtle-priority areas around the world. Several organisations have been working towards the protection of the Black Softback Turtles and the Assam Roofed Turtles.
Dr Ashwini Kumar pointed out that the Assam state zoo is committed to protecting these species. He also mentioned that the organisation has signed MoU with TSA in this direction. Also, they have achieved several milestones in the path of conservation.
Prof Saibal Sengupta said that these animals are important indicators of the environment that they live in. He also mentioned the urgent need for conservation through active public participation.
Sushmita Kar with TSA India mentioned that 11 species of turtles and tortoises are on display in the state zoo. And much success has been reached so far regarding the recovery and repatriation of certain endangered species.
