Faith & Conservation
Lotadevi Temple Pond Turtles, SPOAR
The Indian Roofed Turtles (Pangshura tecta, Grey 1831) which used to be the normal dwellers in almost all regional water bodies until humans started spreading out in all directions occupying their natural habitats and shrinking their population every day. These turtles became a delicacy of the region and also a much coveted species for pet trade all over the country. As a result, the species soon got wiped out from most of the local water bodies, leaving out only the ones inside the protected forests.
Some of SPOAR members found a few turtles at a nearby pond which is just out of the town, adjacent to Lotadevi Kaali Temple. The species was confirmed as the Indian Roofed Turtle (Pangshura tecta, Grey 1831). Interestingly enough, the species has been inhabiting the pond since a really long time, but no one took a closer look to identify them and understand their importance in the pond ecology. When SPOAR members visited the pond in the month of February 2018, the area was swarming with pilgrims from all places performing their rituals by pouring milk in the pond water, offering sweets and fruits to the turtles by throwing them in the pond water, lighting Diyas and candles on the edge of the pond, smearing the place with Sindoor and oil, and making loud noises with loudspeakers and mikes. The pond was completely open to all possible anthropogenic threats. The members of the local club said that turtle eggs are found almost every year at nearby field, closer to the adjacent Karala river and when found people take out those eggs to either consume or destroy. The pond water was so polluted that it had a thick layer of oil and grime at every side of it. Fishes were found dead, smeared in that greasy oil. There was no suitable vegetation or enough fishes in the pond to supply natural food source for the turtles. With a few constant visits SPOAR members became sure that the population of these turtles at the pond has come down to mere 14-15 in number which again was confirmed by the local people as they had seen more of these turtles in earlier days. The organisation was assured that this species here needs an immediate conservation. The fact is, none of the other ponds or water bodies in Jalpaiguri is inhabited by these turtles. The ones that were still present in the region were inside protected forests.
​
​​
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |
Collaborated the complete situation with evidence to WTI (Wildlife Trust of India) seeking cooperation to protect and conserve these Lotadevi pond turtles. WTI suggested to initiate a conservation program under RAP (Rapid Action Project) to provide all possible benefits to the turtle population. The project started from March, 2018. A few layers of conservation initiatives were proposed to cover all the related aspects. The project initiative is at its last stage currently and several layers of work has been completed by the team.
We have constructed a fencing (with only one gate) around the turtle pond to provide maximum security from human interference such as poaching, collecting for meat trade, taking away to be sold as pets, etc.
We’ve built a nesting beach for the turtles as they didn’t have any. The most common reason behind unsuccessful hatching of the eggs and hence a drastic drop at the population growth rate. The nesting ground/beach is covered with small grain sand and with a rightly angles slope the beach is very comfortable for the turtles to use as needed.
We have increased the pond area as per the plan to create more space for the turtles by adding another pool to the main water body and deepening the main pond. This pool has been used as the experimental ground for the ideal habitat that was to be finally maintained at the place.
We introduced suitable aquatic/semi-aquatic vegetation in and around the pond to build the ideal natural habitat for the species. Different types of local fishes has also been introduced by the team at the pond to supply the proper nutritional value.
We are going to dredge the main pond to take out the polluted layer of mud at the current base and further increase the depth of the pond. While dredging, the turtles will be transferred to the newly built pool and once the main pond is clean and filled with river water, the barrier between the two water bodies will be taken down for the turtles to take over their complete habitat.
The “Kurma Avatar Temple” is being built to restore the faith of the pilgrims for the place and to give recognition to the turtles as the sacred animal of the temple. The idol is getting the final touch ups to get ready for the inauguration of the “Kurma Avatar Temple”. The small alter contains a tank to hold the water and milk whatever the devotees would spill during the rituals. This will ensure that the pond remains pollution free.
A large dustbin has been built at the temple premises to collect all the bio and non-biodegradable materials and to keep the place litter-free.
​
As the work has been going on, we’ve recorded a new batch of hatchlings his season which evidently proves the positive effects of the initiatives taken at the location. The fencing has remarkably decreased the number of any human activity near the pond. The water level at the adjacent Karala river is quite high now due to monsoon and fresh new rainwater has filled the pond to a good height. We’re looking forward to the establishment of the Kurma Avatar idol at the place and let the turtles enjoy their newly acquired home.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
We have planned to help these turtle with the necessary initiatives they require to survive healthily in this environment. Our project includes the initiatives as listed below-
1. Arranging a steady supply of animal proteins by introducing local fishes, shrimps, etc. in the temple pond, or by externally supplementing with feeds such as chicken, shrimp and other natural turtle foods. Also, some plant derived foods to supplement their diet.
2. Preparing a proper nesting ground/ beach, for the turtles, to help increase successful hatching. Protecting the nests to stop or minimise nest destruction till they hatch.
3. Preparing proper and secure habitat, separately for the neonates, with all the required natural sources of food and nutrition, keeping them safe and healthy.
The most important part of the whole project is to ensure safe hatching of the eggs and fostering the hatchlings in their initial days. The turtles in their early days become victims of predation by adult turtles and other predators. It is crucial that we take them away from the nesting ground and care them till they are at least 4 to 6 months old. We’ll provide them with their natural food and habitat which will help them adapt to the environment as well as prepare them to survive independently.