Assam: University professor rescues endangered turtle from being sold in market

SILCHAR: A small act of kindness can indeed make a difference! Dr. Sarbani Giri, the De Life Science and Bioinformatics and Dean, School of Life Sciences, Assam University in Silchar recently saved an Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum) from being sold in the fish market.

According to the Cachar Forest Division, Dr. Sarbani Giri went to the fish market as usual to buy fish and found a man selling a live turtle in the market.

He wanted to cut the turtle into pieces and sell it when Dr. Sarbani Giri immediately offered to buy it alive for Rs. 4,000.

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The professor's kind gesture moved the seller who voluntarily gave the turtle alive to Dr. Sarbani who brought it to her home and called the forest officials to take the turtle to a safe place and release it in its natural and safe habitat.

The turtle was later handed over to the forest department who thanked the doctor profusely for saving the life of the turtle.

It needs mention here that the Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum) is a species of turtle found in South Asia

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has decided to team up with the Fisheries Department to create awareness among fishermen to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Notably, the Indian peacock softshell turtle (Nilssonia hurum) is a species of turtle found in South Asia and is listed on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable species.

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