Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Baruah, C. (2009). In situ conservation of endangered freshwater turtles through community participation programmes in the riverine chars (islands) of brahmaputra, assam, india Rufford Small Grants Foundation.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (28 Feb 2010 12:07:01 UTC) |
| Resource type: Report/Documentation BibTeX citation key: Baruah2009a View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Chitra, Chitra indica, Geoemydidae, Habitat = habitat, Nilssonia, Nilssonia nigricans, Pangshura, Pangshura sylhetensis, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Südasien = Southern Asia, Trionychidae Creators: Baruah Publisher: Rufford Small Grants Foundation |
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| Abstract |
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The Northeastern region of India falls within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot has been poorly explored scientifically with regard to surveys, conservation and monitoring of turtle fauna. The islands (Chars) of the river Brahmaputra host many species of turtles including endangered Pangshura sylhetensis, Chitra indica and Nilssonia nigricans, one of the 25 most endangered turtle species of the world. Preliminary surveys show that every year during the period from the 1st week of October to the 1st week of February, a huge number of turtle eggs are collected by the inhabitants of the islands (Chars) of the river Brahmaputra and sold in the local market. The killing of adult female freshwater turtles and incidental catch of breeding adults has created pressure on the freshwater turtle populations. Therefore, the present project seeks to sensitize and educate people about the significance of chelonian presence and their conservation and to start a participatory endangered turtle species conservation programme. This project will help in the evaluation of habitat patterns, and current threats facing Pangshura sylhetensis, Nilssonia nigricans and Chitra indica along with other turtle species in the Char areas of river Brahmaputra in Assam, India which will be helpful in initiating efforts for the conservation of the chelonian species in this region. For more information contact chittaranjan_2004@india.com Project Update: July 2009 Rescue of Chitra indica and release in the river Brahmaputra on 19.4.09. Under the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Range Country Programme - India and with support from the Rufford Small Grants Foundation, the turtle conservation programme in Assam has been initiated with conservation education, local awareness programmes and community participation in wetland and river areas including in-situ egg protection. The entire field activities are beginning in Assam, as outlined in the Conservation Action Plan for Endangered Turtles and Tortoises of India drafted in 2006 during a meeting in Lucknow supported by TSA and Conservation International, and are being attempted for most of the endangered turtle species. The in-situ egg protection programme has started with the participation of local communities. So far, two nests of Nilssonia nigricans, along with the 33 nests of three species of Pangshura, containing a total of 321 eggs have been protected and are being incubated in their natural habitat. A large number of poachers are collecting turtle eggs and trying to sell in the local markets. Fortunately, we have already rescued some of the eggs and transferred them to the natural riverine char (island) habitat. The egg protection programme is gradually getting a good response from the local communities. To protect the eggs, we are preparing the net fencing as well as employing local field assistants. At this time, we are looking forward to protecting over 1000 eggs. Suggestions are being accepted from the experts for successful hatching of all the eggs in the natural habitat.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |