Assam: Critically endangered turtle rescued in Dhubri

In a heartening conservation effort, a rare and critically endangered Assam roofed turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis) was rescued by a local woman while fishing in the Khekshiyali Huliamari Beel, a wetland area located in the Shoulmari region of Dhubri district.

The woman, noticing the unusual turtle during her routine fishing, immediately alerted nearby residents. Concerned about the well-being of the turtle, the locals quickly contacted Mehtab Uddin Ahmed, a well-known nature enthusiast in Dhubri who has been actively involved in conservation activities in the area.

Upon receiving the call early in the morning, Ahmed arrived at the site, accompanied by a team from the Dhubri Forest Department. The turtle was safely rescued and identified as an Assam roofed turtle, a species under severe threat due to habitat destruction and poaching.

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In a statement following the rescue, Ahmed expressed the significance of the find, noting that the Assam roofed turtle is scientifically known as Pangshura sylhetensis and is native to the regions of Assam and Bangladesh. He further added that the rescued turtle, estimated to be between 2 and 3 years old, is often found in the Brahmaputra River and the various beels (wetland ecosystems) in the Dhubri district. 

However, due to the rapidly shrinking natural habitats, sightings of this species have become increasingly rare. Conservationists like Ahmed have been working tirelessly to protect these species by raising awareness and coordinating rescue efforts with forest officials and local communities.

The successful rescue of the turtle highlights the importance of community involvement in conservation. Local residents, upon recognizing the rare species, acted quickly to ensure its safety, showcasing the growing environmental consciousness in the region. 

The turtle has since been taken under the care of the Dhubri Forest Department, and later it was released back into a protected natural habitat. Conservationists hope this incident will encourage more awareness and actions to protect endangered species across Assam and beyond.