Black Softshell Turtles: Population Decline And Conservation Efforts

The black softshell turtle, also known as the Bostami turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle native to India and Bangladesh. In 2002, the species was declared extinct in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but small populations have since been discovered in the wild and conservation efforts are ongoing. The black softshell turtle is considered sacred in Hinduism and can be found in temple ponds, but human intervention has threatened their habitat and survival. While the exact number of black softshell turtles left in the world is unclear, they are considered endangered and conservationists are working to protect the species and their natural habitat.

The black softshell turtle is extinct in the wild

The black softshell turtle, also known as the Bostami turtle (Nilssonia nigricans), is a species of freshwater turtle native to India and Bangladesh. In 2002, the species was declared extinct in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, subsequent surveys and conservation efforts have led to the discovery and protection of small populations in the wild and temple ponds across Assam, Tripura, and Sylhet.

The black softshell turtle has a unique appearance, with a semi-flexible, leathery shell and a distinct tube-like structure protruding from its nose, resembling a snorkel. Its skin is often black or dark brown, sometimes with white to yellow spots on its head and ligaments. Adult sizes can range from 15 to 31 inches in width and 13 to 28 inches in length, with females weighing around 120 pounds.

The species faces a high mortality rate, particularly during the early stages of life, with a low egg hatching rate. Human intervention, including habitat contamination and intentional poisoning, has also contributed to the decline of the species. Conservation efforts, such as those led by TSA India and Help Earth NGO, aim to improve conditions in temple ponds, create more suitable habitats, and release juveniles into the wild to supplement depleted populations.

The black softshell turtle holds cultural and religious significance in the region, particularly within Hinduism, where it is considered an incarnation of the deity Kurma. This cultural importance has resulted in a complex relationship with human captivity, as turtles in shrines and temple ponds are protected from predators but face challenges due to inadequate diets and limited space for sustained repopulation efforts.

Conservation efforts to save the species

The black softshell turtle (Nilssonia nigricans), also known as the Bostami turtle, was previously believed to be extinct. However, conservation efforts are now focused on protecting and restoring the species, which is now considered endangered.

One of the key challenges in conserving this species is the limited number of areas where they are found, mainly temple ponds and rivers in India and Bangladesh, which have high human traffic. Human intervention, such as migration and contamination of water and land, has contributed to the decline of the species. In addition, the dietary habits of the turtles, which include human food offered by visitors and worshippers, have led to malnutrition.

Conservation efforts have been led by organisations such as TSA India and Help Earth NGO, which have worked to improve conditions in temple ponds, create more natural ecosystems, and provide suitable nesting spaces. The State Zoo of Assam has also played a crucial role in rearing baby turtles before releasing them into the wild. Similar conservation efforts have been undertaken in Tripura to protect the indigenous populations of Bostami turtles.

Field surveys and community participation programs have been conducted in the wetlands and forested riverine areas of Kamrup District in Assam, India, to raise awareness and build capacity for turtle conservation. The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund has awarded grants to support research and conservation initiatives, with a focus on understanding the occurrence, status, and distribution of the species to formulate effective conservation strategies.

Overall, the goal of these conservation efforts is to protect and restore the black softshell turtle population, improve their natural habitats, and address the threats posed by human intervention and malnutrition.

Human intervention has caused extinction

The black softshell turtle, or Bostami turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle native to India and Bangladesh. In 2002, the species was declared extinct in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but a few years later, small populations were discovered in temple ponds in Assam, India, and in the wild in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Despite these discoveries, human intervention has played a significant role in causing the extinction of this species in the wild.

One of the main ways human intervention has contributed to the extinction of the black softshell turtle is through habitat destruction. Urbanization, deforestation, and changes in land use have degraded and fragmented their habitats, disrupting their migration and breeding patterns. The black softshell turtle favours stagnant or slow-flowing water sources with soft bottoms and abundant vegetation, but their habitats have become largely constrained to a few select freshwater bodies.

Pollution is another critical factor. Water pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and plastics affects their food sources, health, and overall habitat quality. The impact of pollution is evident in the low oxygen levels found in the pond water of temple sanctuaries, which can make the environment unsustainable for the turtles.

Human activities such as fishing and hunting also heighten the risk of extinction for the black softshell turtle. They are often caught in fishing nets or hunted for meat, ritualistic purposes, or the illegal trade. In addition, human intervention has led to the intentional poisoning of these turtles and their food sources by poachers, further pushing them towards extinction.

The survival of the black softshell turtle species is dependent on concerted conservation efforts, and human intervention has played a dual role in their journey. While conservation initiatives, such as captive breeding programs and community engagement, have been crucial in protecting this species, it is important to recognize the detrimental effects of human activities on their existence.

Bostami turtles are found in temple ponds

Bostami turtles, or black softshell turtles, are indeed found in temple ponds. In fact, these temple ponds have been instrumental in the conservation of this endangered species.

The black softshell turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) was once believed to be extinct in the wild, but small populations have been discovered in temple ponds in Assam, India, and in Chittagong, Bangladesh. In Assam, the turtles have been found in the ponds of the Hayagriva Madhava Temple, the Kasopukhuri pond on Nilachal Hill, and the Nagshankar temple pond, among others. In Bangladesh, they have been found in the Bayazid Bostami shrine pond in Chittagong, where they were first introduced in the 1800s, as well as in the wild in Sylhet.

The turtles were introduced to these temple ponds by devotees as part of a religious practice that has been ongoing for centuries. In Assam, this practice dates back to the Ahom kings, who revered turtles and donated them to temples. While this practice has helped to preserve the species, it is not ideal for their long-term survival. The turtles in these ponds are dependent on humans for food and are often fed inappropriate diets that can lead to malnutrition. The ponds themselves may also be too small or lack the necessary features, such as basking spots, to support a healthy turtle population.

Despite these challenges, conservationists have been working to improve conditions in the temple ponds and to release turtles into the wild. In Assam, eggs laid in temple ponds are sometimes taken to the state zoo for hatching, and the hatchlings are later released into wildlife sanctuaries. This process has helped to boost the wild population of black softshell turtles, and it is hoped that their classification will be changed from "extinct in the wild" to "critically endangered".

The species' distinct appearance

The black softshell turtle, or Bostami turtle, has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from common turtles. This species of freshwater turtle, native to the lower Brahmaputra River, is found in Assam and Tripura in India, as well as Chittagong and Sylhet in Bangladesh. While it was once believed to be extinct, conservation efforts have led to the discovery of these turtles in temple ponds and lakes in both countries.

One of the most noticeable features of the black softshell turtle is its semi-flexible shell, which is leathery in texture. Unlike the average hardshell turtle, the black softshell's shell does not restrict its movement. The shell appears somewhat rigid, with minimal colour and design, and does not protrude significantly from the body. The skin of the black softshell turtle is typically black or dark brown, but some individuals may exhibit white to yellow spots on their heads and ligaments.

The nose and face of the black softshell turtle are also quite distinctive, with a tube-like structure protruding from the nose that resembles and functions similarly to a snorkel. This adaptation allows them to breathe in a snorkelling fashion when they are buried in mud, sand, or shallow water. The ligaments of this species are also unique, with hand-like webbed structures that set them apart from other turtles, such as sea turtles, which have wider arms.

The average adult Bostami turtle can range in size, with widths from 15 to 31 inches and lengths from 13 to 28 inches. The weight of female turtles is around 120 pounds, while the weight of males has not yet been recorded. However, males tend to appear visually larger, suggesting a higher weight. The highest recorded size for this species is a length of 35 inches.

In terms of behaviour, the black softshell turtle exhibits a unique blend of terrestrial and aquatic traits. They are known to have a close proximity to humans and are often found in areas with high human traffic. This has led to a dependence on human feeding, making it challenging to determine their natural diet. They are omnivores, consuming a variety of plants, grains, fruits, and small animals like fish and worms.

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