The black softshell turtle is officially extinct in the wild, but a centuries-old Indian temple and its nature-loving caretaker are helping the creature make a tentative comeback. Assam was once rich in freshwater turtles, but habitat loss and over-exploitation - they were once a popular local food - have massively depleted their population. But all the while, the pond of the Hayagriva Madhav temple in the Hajo pilgrimage centre has provided a safe haven. In January, 35 turtle hatchlings, including 16 black softshells hand-reared at the temple, was released into a nearby wildlife sanctuary.

Source: The Hindu June 12, 2019 11:48 UTC