Conservation of the Northern River Terrapin - Project Batagur Baska
Blueprint
ASSESS
Already classified as Critically Endangered by an IUCN Red List of Threatened Species assessment in 2000, the remaining population of Northern River Terrapin was decreased further in 2007 when it was discovered that Batagur populations from countries to the southeast, previously treated as conspecifics, were reclassified as a separate species and named the Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis). Surveys of the Northern River Terrapin in historic habitats in Bangladesh (as well as separate surveys in West Bengal and Odisha, India) identified overharvesting of eggs and turtles for local consumption, habitat degradation, and illegal trade as major threats to the species.
PLAN
Given the urgency of the situation, a formalised planning process was not initiated but instead immediate actions were taken. Turtle Island, a breeding centre for endangered turtle species in Austria, enlisted local assistance from an Indian conservationist, Rupali Ghosh, to conduct interviews with local fisherman and wildlife traders in an attempt to locate remnant populations. She had completed previous terrapin surveys in India and Bangladesh and spoke the local language fluently. Because there were so many unknowns concerning their remaining distribution and how to mitigate the threats, a step-by-step, adaptive management process was used to learn from and react to new information as it became available. Staying focused on the goal of turtle recovery, but being flexible to deal with changing circumstances has been key to the programme’s success.
ACT
In 2010, the searches conducted for terrapins in natural habitats were unsuccessful. However, encouraged by Vienna Zoo, the team turned to village ponds (where they were sometimes kept as good luck charms) and markets, where they were able to gather the first group of six Northern River Terrapins, to attempt managed breeding and reintroduction. With logistical help from the Centre for Advanced Research in Natural Resources Management, a Bangladesh NGO, the Bangladesh Forest Department provided space for the rescued terrapins in the Bhawal National Park. The Vienna Zoo became the captive terrapin project coordinator and key collaborator in making recommendations for improved husbandry conditions, as well as fundraising for the project. Breeding groups were established by gathering remaining individuals from villages, traders, and markets. In addition to the conservation station in the Bhawal National Park, a back-up facility was established six years later in Karamjal, located in the South of Bangladesh in the Sundarbans, an historic terrapin distribution area. All terrapins at the breeding facilities and in the wild remain the property of the Forest Department. Media coverage and management of facility construction, permits, and staff has been provided by the Prokriti O Jibon Foundation. The Turtle Survival Alliance provided scientific input and fundraising, while the Vienna Zoo and Turtle Island continue to develop and implement scientific research and manage conservation progress.
In both facilities, secure and optimised housing and husbandry are provided to match the species requirements and include valuable information known from projects for the Southern River Terrapin in Myanmar. Since electricity and incubators are not available, after breeding and deposition, eggs are secured and incubated under natural temperature and humidity conditions at sandy beaches where they are protected from predators. Nests are closely monitored, and either shielded or exposed to the sun as necessary to regulate nest temperature. In the first step towards successful reintroduction, some adult males have been equipped with satellite transmitters to assess migration routes, habitat preferences, and survival in the wild within the species’ indigenous range.
Results
Today, two breeding groups of Northern River Terrapin are well established at the conservation stations in Bangladesh. The facilities include several ponds, beaches, and natural hatcheries of different sizes. Over 400 juveniles have been raised since 2010, with constant improvement of incubation parameters, rearing requirements, and husbandry conditions. In 2021, there were four clutches at Karamjal and two at Bhawal, and 91 individuals hatched. Monitoring of released terrapins shows that they have been able to find food in their natural habitat and gain weight. Incidental capture in fishing nets remains a problem, and the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily halted reintroductions. Once field activities can resume, the next actions will include release of more terrapins to obtain additional information about their life history and conservation needs. This will be the basis for developing outreach plans and new government programmes with partners and stakeholders.
Visual & Audio References
©Doris Preininger
Collaborations
Major
Partners
Vienna Zoo
Turtle Island
Turtle Survival Alliance
Forest Department of Bangladesh
Prokriti O Jibon Foundation
Donors
Austrian Zoo Organization; European Union of Aquarium Curators; Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde; Turtle Conservation Fund; Edith-Haberland Stiftung; Mautner Markhof; The Society of the Friends of the Vienna Zoo; and several private sponsors
Additional Resources
Content Updated as of 12/10/2021