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Conservation of Black Softshell Turtle

  • 21 Jun 2021

  • Hayagriva Madhava Temple in Assam that is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists has signed a memorandum of understanding with two green NGOs (Turtle Survival Alliance India and Help Earth), the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden and the Kamrup district administration for the long-term conservation of the rare freshwater black softshell turtle or the Nilssonia nigricans.
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature had in 2021 listed the turtle as “critically endangered”.
  • It does not enjoy legal protection under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
  • It has traditionally been hunted for its meat and cartilage, traded in regional and international markets.