8 November 2026 | Biswanath, Assam
In a significant boost to freshwater turtle conservation, 240 hatchlings of the critically endangered Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans), locally known as Bormuria Kaso, were released into a protected waterbody under the Biswanath Wildlife Division in Assam on November 7.
The release was organised by the Wildlife Survival Alliance Foundation India (WSAFI) in collaboration with the Biswanath Wildlife Division, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and the Assam Forest Department. It forms part of a nearly decade-long initiative titled Conservation and Recovery of Black Softshell Turtle in Assam.
The latest release brings the number of hatchlings released into the wild by WSAFI since 2021 to more than 1,000, marking an encouraging milestone in efforts to rebuild the species’ population.
A Turtle Once Believed to Be Extinct in the Wild
The Black Softshell Turtle is one of India’s most threatened freshwater turtle species. It was once considered extinct in the wild in the early 2000s, but surviving populations were subsequently identified in temple ponds and other protected waterbodies.
The species continues to be classified as Critically Endangered, despite encouraging signs of recovery in the Brahmaputra–Kaziranga landscape.
The conservation programme in Assam has demonstrated how religious institutions, scientific intervention, forest authorities and local communities can work together to protect threatened aquatic wildlife.
Nagshankar Temple Plays a Crucial Role
The historic Nagshankar Temple in Assam has emerged as an important centre for the conservation of the species.
During the annual nesting season in March and April, turtle eggs are collected from the temple pond premises and transported to Biswanath Ghat for artificial incubation under controlled conditions.
This intervention helps protect eggs from predators, particularly mongooses, and improves the chances of successful hatching.
The hatchlings emerge during July and August and are subsequently transferred to a specialised rearing facility.
Three Months of Care Before Release
Before being released, the young turtles spend approximately three months in a grow-out facility, where they are carefully reared and fed fresh small fish.
The additional feeding helps improve their body weight and physical condition, potentially increasing their chances of survival after returning to natural waterbodies.
The latest batch of 240 hatchlings was released following this rearing process.
Scientific breeding, controlled incubation and post-hatching care have become important components of the recovery programme.
More Than 1,000 Hatchlings Released Since 2021
According to a senior forest official, WSAFI has released more than 1,000 Black Softshell Turtle hatchlings into the wild since 2021.
The continuing releases are part of a sustained effort to rebuild the population and strengthen the species’ presence in the Brahmaputra–Kaziranga landscape.
Although the species now has a stable population in this landscape, it remains critically endangered. Continued monitoring, protection of nesting sites and maintenance of suitable aquatic habitats will be essential for its long-term recovery.
Local Women Join the Conservation Effort
An important feature of the initiative is its effort to connect wildlife conservation with alternative livelihood opportunities.
Members of Kaso Sakhi, a local women’s livelihood group supported by WSAFI, produced handwoven gamosas featuring turtle motifs for the programme.
The group’s initiative seeks to create sustainable sources of income for local women and reduce dependence on river-based livelihoods.
Such community-based programmes can strengthen local participation in conservation by linking biodiversity protection with economic opportunities.
Why Black Softshell Turtles Matter
Softshell turtles play an important ecological role in freshwater ecosystems. Often described as the “water vultures”, they are scavengers that help remove organic matter and contribute to maintaining the health of aquatic habitats.
Their conservation is therefore important not only for the survival of an endangered species but also for the ecological balance of rivers, ponds and wetlands.
However, the long-term survival of the Black Softshell Turtle will depend on protecting suitable nesting and feeding habitats, preventing disturbance and ensuring that released hatchlings survive to adulthood and reproduce.
A Promising Model for Freshwater Turtle Conservation
The release of 240 hatchlings is an encouraging example of how scientific conservation methods and community participation can support the recovery of a threatened species.
The Assam initiative has brought together temple authorities, conservation organisations, forest officials and local communities in a coordinated effort.
Yet, the real measure of success will be the number of turtles that survive, mature and contribute to a self-sustaining wild population.
For the Black Softshell Turtle, each successful release represents another opportunity to restore a species that once came perilously close to disappearing from the wild.
Source: Punjab Kesari English; IANS (7 November 2026); NorthEast Now (7 November 2026); The Hawk (7 November 2026).
Last Updated: 8 November 2026
Editorial note: The figure of more than 1,000 refers to hatchlings released by WSAFI since 2021, not the total wild population of Black Softshell Turtles in Assam. The species remains classified as Critically Endangered despite the reported recovery in the Brahmaputra–Kaziranga landscape. The Hawk +3
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