Local Communities Aid in Groundbreaking Discovery of Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle Nesting in India

The Cantor’s giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) has been discovered nesting in India, a groundbreaking find for conservationists.

Rarity and Conservation Status

• The Cantor’s giant softshell turtle is incredibly rare and native to South and Southeast Asia.
• It faces threats from habitat destruction and overharvesting, leading to its classification as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Engagement with Local Communities

• Conservationists engaged with local communities living near the Chandragiri River in Kerala, India.
• Through interviews and collaboration, they gathered crucial information about the turtle’s habitat and behavior.

Nesting Evidence and Conservation Efforts

• The collaboration led to the documentation of female nesting and the rescue of eggs from flooded nests.
• Hatchlings were released into the river, contributing to the conservation effort.

Study and Publication

• The study, led by multiple institutions including the University of Portsmouth and Zoological Society of London, was published in the journal Oryx.

Implications and Future Plans

• The findings underscore the importance of local knowledge in conservation science.
• The establishment of a local alert network represents a pioneering approach for real-time insights and immediate conservation action.
• Plans for a community hatchery and nursery are underway, demonstrating a commitment to long-term conservation efforts.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):

1. What is the conservation status of the Cantor’s giant softshell turtle?
   • A) Endangered
   • B) Vulnerable
   • C) Critically Endangered
   • D) Near Threatened
   • Answer: C) Critically Endangered
2. Where was the nesting evidence of the Cantor’s giant softshell turtle discovered in India?
   • A) Ganges River
   • B) Yamuna River
   • C) Chandragiri River
   • D) Brahmaputra River
   • Answer: C) Chandragiri River
3. Which approach did conservationists use to gather information about the turtle’s habitat and behavior?
   • A) Satellite tagging
   • B) Camera trapping
   • C) Engaging with local communities
   • D) Setting up research stations
   • Answer: C) Engaging with local communities
4. In which journal was the study about the discovery of the Cantor’s giant softshell turtle published?
   • A) Nature
   • B) Science
   • C) Oryx
   • D) Conservation Biology
   • Answer: C) Oryx
5. What is one future plan mentioned in the article for the conservation of the Cantor’s giant softshell turtle?
   • A) Establishment of satellite monitoring
   • B) Setting up community hatchery and nursery
   • C) Implementing stricter fishing regulations
   • D) Translocating turtles to safer habitats
   • Answer: B) Setting up community hatchery and nursery