Turtle conservation prog at Harike, Beas reserve

CHANDIGARH: Under Punjab’s first community-based turtle conservation programme, nest of seven species of fresh turtles, will now be protected from predators like foxes, ravens as well as human interference in Harike

wildlife

sanctuary and Beas conservation reserve.


Both these sites are two important nesting areas of fresh water turtles in Punjab. New hatcheries have been set up in these rivers. Interestingly, the ex-poachers and people from other Riparian community will be involved in turtle-watch programme as tour guides. This will pave way for the transformation of this part of the local community, besides involving the local community in safe release of the hatchlings back into the river once they come out of eggs.

Kuldeep Singh, chief wildlife warden, told TOI, “The main objective of the

turtle hatchery

is to enhance presence of various species of turtles in Harike and Beas river system.”

Instead of opting for ex situ method of nest protection, which is conserving the turtles away from its natural habitat, the wildlife department has opted for in situ nest protection, where the eggs are protected in their natural habitat. To be precise the eggs will be protected with bamboo covers where they are laid in order to minimise any damage or interference and to ensure the success in maximum hatchlings. The officials said that once they emerge out of eggs, it will be ensured that they reach the river immediately and safely with the help of community people.

The in situ method is preferred in all turtle conservation programmes in India. For instance, it is being practised in the Ganges at

Hastinapur wildlife sanctuary

,

Narora

wetland and

Chambal river

in Chambal wildlife sanctuary.

“For this project, Khitan in Harike wildlife sanctuary and Gagrewal in Beas conservation reserve have been selected. Through this project biological data about the nesting female population of freshwater turtles of all these seven species and the related information such as population, frequency of breeding, hatching success rate will be collected. The project will pave way in increasing population of endangered turtles and awakening communities about their contribution in riverine ecosystem,” said Singh.

One of the biggest threat to the survival of the turtle survival programme is poachers, who have been pushing the turtles to the brink of extinction in the country. India continues to be the hub of illegal trade and export of tortoise and fresh water turtles. “Poachers and member of other Riparian community will be involved in this project as tour guides for the tourists. Since this pursuit will provide them livelihood and life away from ignominy of being poachers, so it is hoped that they will leave poaching for good,” said a senior wildlife official.