Guwahati, 28th September: In a heartening development for wildlife conservation, a critically endangered Assam roofed turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis) was rescued by a local woman while fishing in Khekshiyali Huliamari Beel, a wetland in Dhubri district’s Shoulmari region. The rare find has sparked conservation efforts and raised awareness in the community.
The woman, who spotted the unusual turtle during her fishing routine, quickly alerted nearby villagers. Concerned for its safety, locals reached out to Mehtab Uddin Ahmed, a dedicated nature enthusiast and conservationist in the Dhubri area. Ahmed, who has been actively involved in various conservation initiatives, immediately responded, arriving at the site with a team from the Dhubri Forest Department.
The turtle, which was safely rescued, was identified as an Assam roofed turtle, a species under severe threat due to habitat loss and poaching. Ahmed shared the significance of the find, noting that the species, native to Assam and Bangladesh, is rarely seen due to its shrinking natural habitat. The rescued turtle, estimated to be between 2 and 3 years old, is often found in the Brahmaputra River and Dhubri’s beels (wetlands), though sightings have become scarce in recent years.
Ahmed praised the quick thinking and environmental awareness of the local community, which played a key role in the turtle’s rescue. “This successful rescue shows how vital local involvement is in conservation efforts,” he said. He hopes this incident will inspire more conservation initiatives to protect endangered species.
Following the rescue, the turtle was taken under the care of the Dhubri Forest Department and later released into a protected habitat. Conservationists are optimistic that such efforts will raise awareness about protecting the region’s rich but endangered wildlife.