The TSA, in collaboration with the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust (MCBT), sponsored a workshop for the Conservation and Action Plan for Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises of India, held 17-20 October 2005, at the Kukrail Breeding Centre in Lucknow. The primary goals of this workshop were to identify chelonian species most at risk in India – through the IUCN Red Listing process, and to draft conservation action plans for those species considered the highest priorities. A secondary objective was to provide a range of training opportunities on various chelonian techniques and practices, to Forest Department personnel, researchers and students. Organized by the MCBT, in collaboration with the UP Forestry Department, this workshop brought together 95 individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds including governmental agencies, zoos, universities, forest departments, conservation NGOs and wildlife breeding and rehab centers. In all, nearly 30 organizations and institutions, both Indian and international, were represented.

Participants from the Wildlife Institute of India, Zoological Survey of India, WWF – India and the Society for the Conservation of Nature attended the workshop. Major funding for the workshop was provided by the TSA.

With 28 species and subspecies of tortoises and freshwater turtles, India has one of the most diverse and best-studied chelonian faunas in the world and ranks among the top five Asian countries in terms of its importance for turtle conservation. Unfortunately, nearly 40% (11 of 28 taxa) are listed as either Endangered or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. With nearly a billion people living in India, the aquatic resources, as well as the turtles that inhabit them, face a growing number of threats that will likely increase. Multiple threats take their toll, but uncontrolled and non-sustainable commercial exploitation by man has been the single-most damaging.

The workshop highlighted ten species for intensive conservation action planning: Batagur baska, Kachuga kachuga, Pelochelys cantorii, Aspideretes nigricans, Aspideretes leithii, Chitra indica, Kachuga dhongoka, Hardella thurjii, Manouria emys, and Pangshura sylhetensis. Nearly a full day was devoted to drafting a detailed “recovery plan” for the Painted roof turtle (K. kachuga), an IUCN critically endangered species unofficially chosen as the centerpiece of this Action Plan. The working group examined existing conservation measures, and then worked to recommend new initiatives, and/or expand existing ones.

Though multiple threats and needs were identified, of primary importance is an increased focus on the Deori-Eco Centre at Morena in MP. Developed as a gharial headstarting operation, ample facilities are available for turtle conservation. It is close to the National Chambal River Sanctuary, home to at least three target species, and is well positioned to become the focal point for K. kachuga recovery efforts. Plans call for major improvements and upgrades at this facility that will substantially expand capacities for egg collection, incubation and headstarting. Hatchlings produced and raised at Deori will be released or sent to other facilities for headstarting and captive breeding. Two other species are targeted for work here as well, the Three-striped roof turtle, K. dhongoka, and the Narrow headed softshell turtle, Chitra indica. To initiate this important component the European Assn. of Zoos & Aquariums (EAZA) Shellshock campaign recently awarded $10,000 for the Deori facility.

This Action Plans calls for immediate steps to reverse the declines and prevent the extinction of India’s ten most endangered freshwater turtles. For most of these species, wild populations are seriously at risk. Consequently, intensive conservation strategies, often involving a captive component, must be considered. The broader issues that face India’s freshwater turtles– excessive harvesting, loss of wetland areas, alteration of river habitats – require government intervention and long term local participation to address. In order to have options for long - term recovery of these species in the wild, safe and well-managed captive populations must be secured. These can be established either through long-term assurance colonies and/or through short-term strategies like headstart and release. Some species may require both actions simultaneously, building up the captive numbers while at the same time restocking the wild. It is alarming that such drastic measures must be considered to prevent the extinction of some of India’s turtles, but this is the current situation. As a point of reference, nine of the ten species considered in this plan are also at risk in surrounding Asian countries, so saving these species will involve concerted international efforts. However, for the endemic softshell Aspideretes leithii, India is alone responsible for its survival.

In order to succeed, a coordinated response to Indian turtle conservation will be required; many organizations and institutions, not only within India, but from around the world, have the potential to contribute to this response. Optimally this document will serve to guide that process. On behalf of the organizers of the Lucknow workshop, we hope that this Conservation Action Plan for Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises catalyzes a broad range of sustainable actions. For India’s turtles, the time is now.