Morigaon: In a major conservation effort, 104 turtles of three species were released into Hadug Beel inside Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam’s Morigaon district on Saturday.
The turtles — belonging to the black softshell, Indian tent, and Ganges softshell species — were transported from the Haigrib Madhab temple in Hajo, Kamrup district.
A team from the Assam State Zoo had earlier quarantined them under veterinary supervision before their release.
Hadug Beel, a perennial wetland within the Mayong division of the sanctuary, is known for its rich biodiversity and natural linkage to major rivers like the Brahmaputra, Pokoriya, and Kolong during flood season.
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Officials said sustained protection efforts in recent years have helped the waterbody emerge as a safe habitat for aquatic life, including turtles and fish.
The release was jointly carried out by the Kamrup district administration, Haigrib Madhab temple committee, and the Forest Department as part of in situ conservation of the rare species.
