Critically endangered Asian giant tortoises find new home in Nagaland
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Guwahati: In a groundbreaking conservation effort, Naga youths have taken on the role of "tortoise guardians" to protect the critically endangered Asian giant tortoises (AGT) in Nagaland's Zeliang community forest.
This initiative, announced on Monday, marks a significant step in preserving the species, with ten captive-raised tortoises being introduced to the Community Reserve in Peren district. This effort is a collaboration between the Nagaland state forest department and the India Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP).
The Asian giant tortoise, listed as "critically endangered" on the IUCN Red List, faces a dire threat of extinction.
The ten tortoises, bred and nurtured at Nagaland Zoological Park, which boasts India's largest captive population of the species, have been placed in a soft release enclosure in the Zeliang community forest. This marks their first exposure to a natural habitat since their birth in 2019.
The project plans to release the tortoises in phases to help recover wild AGT populations in Nagaland. Two local youths have been appointed to monitor the tortoises, with plans to transform the area into a tourist destination.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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"Local youths from the community have been engaged as "Tortoise Guardians" to ensure the protection of the released tortoises and assist in data collection," said Chisayi, DFO, Peren.
After a five-month acclimatization period, the tortoises will be released into the wild, with their movements tracked using VHF-based telemetry systems. This initiative aims to establish a sustainable breeding population in their natural habitat.
"Once the pilot release is successful, more individuals will be released to recover the decimated wild populations," said Sushmita Kar, project coordinator, ITCP.
The project is part of a broader effort to prevent the species' extinction through breeding programs and community awareness initiatives. "Asian Giant Tortoises, also known as the small elephants of the forests, play a crucial role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration," says Shailendra Singh from ITCP.
The Peren site was selected after a comprehensive habitat assessment, highlighting the effectiveness of Community and Conservation Reserves in Nagaland in preserving wildlife.
"Protected areas such as Community and Conservation Reserves have been performing well under the joint leadership of the communities and the forest department," says Tokaho Kinimi, wildlife warden, Dimapur.
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