240 critically endangered black softshell turtles get a fresh chance in the wild

240 critically endangered black softshell turtle hatchlings were released into Roumari Beel wetland in Biswanath district, Assam. The release was carried out by Biswanath Wildlife Division, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and the Wildlife Survival Alliance Foundation India, with forest minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announcing the event. The black softshell turtle (Nilssonia nigricans), once thought extinct in the wild, now survives through captive‑breeding programmes and temple‑pond protection. Baruah said, “These faith‑based conservation efforts have helped prevent the species’ extinction.” He added that the hatchlings were released earlier this month as part of a multi‑year recovery and rewilding programme. More than 300 hatchlings have emerged at project sites in Assam and Tripura this breeding season, and officials said continued habitat protection, monitoring and community participation will be needed for the turtles’ survival.