GS Paper III – Environment and Biodiversity | Species Conservation | Wetland Ecosystems

Why in the News?

In a significant conservation effort, 240 hatchlings of the critically endangered Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) were released into Roumari Beel, a protected wetland in Biswanath district of Assam.

Key Highlights

• The release was announced by Assam’s Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah.
• The initiative was jointly undertaken by the Biswanath Wildlife Division, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Survival Alliance Foundation India (WSAFI).
• Locally known as Bormuria Kaso, the Black Softshell Turtle was once considered extinct in the wild.
• The species has survived in Assam largely through captive breeding programmes and traditional faith-based conservation practices in temple ponds.

Conservation Significance

• Temple-based conservation: Religious institutions associated with the Hayagriva Madhava Temple and Nagshankar Temple have played an important role in protecting the species through traditional pond conservation.
• Wild population recovery: Releasing captive-bred hatchlings into suitable natural habitats can help strengthen wild populations.
• Wetland conservation: Protecting Roumari Beel and other freshwater habitats is essential for the survival of aquatic species.
• Community participation: Combining scientific breeding programmes with traditional conservation practices offers opportunities for long-term biodiversity protection.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaway

The release of 240 Black Softshell Turtle hatchlings highlights Assam’s efforts to combine scientific conservation, wetland protection and traditional community-based practices to safeguard threatened freshwater biodiversity.