Guwahati: At least 63 rare species of turtles that were rescued have been airlifted from Pune and flown to Assam by Maharashtra Forest Department.
Maharashtra forest officials claimed that the turtles were rescued during the time of arrest of persons who wanted to sell the species illegally and were also suspected to be involved in smuggling cases.
As per the reports, the rare species include Indian roof turtle, crowned river turtle, brown roof turtle, and spotted river terrapin.
Deputy Conservator of Pune Forest Division Rahul Patil said that for the first time the rare species of turtles are being sent by flight to be released into their natural habitat in Assam.
He further added that the protected species will be handed over to Turtle Survival Alliance and the Forest Department of Assam.