425 endangered turtles rescued in Noakhali
The surviving turtles will be released into suitable water bodies
The Forest Department has rescued 425 endangered turtles during a raid last night (12 September) on an abandoned house near Loknath Temple in the Mondolpara area of Begumganj Upazila, Noakhali.
Acting on a tip-off, members of the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) learned that a large number of turtles were being illegally stored in the house. As the WCCU team and informants approached, the traffickers, sensing their presence, attempted to relocate the turtles.
Under the supervision of the WCCU director, a joint operation was immediately launched which resulted in the recovery of 425 turtles from three species: the Indian roofed turtle (kori kaitta), Indian flapshell turtle (sundhi kachim), and Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle (dhum kachim).
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The rescued species are listed as protected wildlife under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012.
The joint raid was conducted with officials of the Coastal Forest Department, Noakhali divisional forest officials, and local conservation volunteers from the Noakhali Wildlife and Animal Team.
WCCU Wildlife Inspector Ashim Mallik confirmed the rescue to The Business Standard, stating, "Of the rescued turtles, 325 were found alive and 100 were dead. The surviving turtles will be released into suitable water bodies in line with instructions from higher authorities."
WCCU affirmed its commitment to continuing strict measures against wildlife trafficking through regular drives.
