India Temple Turtle Conservation

05th March, 2013

The Hindus of eastern India release turtles in temple ponds upon the occasion of a child’s birth believing that this will extend the longevity of the newborn child. The temple ponds contain turtle species which are critically endangered in the wild. With support from the Fund, biologists will survey the temple ponds of Assam, India to identify the resident turtle populations and assess the threats to their survival.