India’s first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle released in Kaziranga
Kaziranga: India’s first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle was released into the waters of Kaziranga National Park on Friday, coinciding with the observation of Endangered Species Day.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the event a major step for wildlife conservation. “This initiative will help us understand the movement, habitat use, and threats faced by the species,” he said.
The Ganges soft-shell turtle, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, is a large freshwater reptile facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and river pollution. The tagging project, led by the state forest department and wildlife researchers, aims to track the turtle’s migration patterns and identify critical habitats along the Brahmaputra river system.
Officials said real-time satellite data will aid in developing targeted conservation strategies for the species and other riverine fauna.
Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is expanding its conservation focus beyond its famed one-horned rhinos to include lesser-known aquatic species in its wetlands and river channels.
