India's First Satellite-Tagged Ganges Softshell Turtle Released in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR)

Key facts

• India's first satellite-tagged endangered Ganges softshell turtle was released at the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam to mark Endangered Species Day.
• The Ganges softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• The species is characterised by distinct arrowhead-shaped markings on the top of its head.
• Assam is home to 21 species of turtles, and five of the eight softshell turtle species reported in India are found in KNPTR.
• The satellite-tagging initiative by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) aims to study seasonal movement patterns, home range, and critical nesting and breeding sites in the Brahmaputra river basin.