India Releases Its First Satellite-Tagged Ganges Softshell Turtle in Kaziranga

India released its first satellite-tagged Ganges softshell turtle in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam. The release was carried out on Endangered Species Day as part of a wildlife conservation effort. A small satellite device fixed to the turtle will let scientists track its movement, the habitats it uses, its breeding sites and its seasonal migration in the Brahmaputra river basin.

The Ganges softshell turtle, whose scientific name is Nilssonia gangetica, is a freshwater turtle found across many rivers in India. Even though it is widely distributed, it is listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List because of threats such as habitat loss, pollution and illegal trade. Satellite tracking helps researchers understand exactly where the species goes, which is important for planning its protection.

The project was carried out jointly by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Assam Forest Department and Kaziranga authorities, with support from the National Geographic Society. The data collected is expected to strengthen conservation planning for freshwater turtles in the region.

For exam aspirants, the points to remember are the species name (Nilssonia gangetica), its IUCN status (Endangered), the location (Kaziranga, Assam) and that this is India's first satellite-tagging of this turtle.