Tortoise Rescue Operation: 71 Endangered Species Saved in Cumilla, One Arrest Made

The Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Directorate of Forest has recovered 71 endangered species of tortoises from the Muradnagar area of Cumilla district, Bangladesh and detained one person in connection with the incident.

The recovered wild animals include 49 Indian peacock softshell turtles, 20 Kachuga sylhetensis, and 2 Elongated Tortoise, according to the directorate.

Under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 of Bangladesh, the Indian peacock softshell turtle and Kachuga sylhetensis are protected species, while the Elongated Tortoise is a critically endangered species.

The detained person, Babul Ghose, is a resident of the Viti Panchpukuria area under Muradnagar union in Cumilla.

According to Ashim Mallick, Wildlife Inspector of WCCU, his team conducted a drive at the house of Babul Ghose based on a tip-off and recovered 71 live tortoises on Tuesday evening.

Mallick stated that Ghose had collected the tortoises from nearby water bodies with the intention of smuggling them, which is illegal and punishable under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act 2012 of Bangladesh.

Mallick added that the recovered tortoises would be released into natural water bodies, and a case in connection with the incident is currently under process.

Which Sea Turtles Are Endangered?

The possibility of sea turtles disappearing suddenly is not far-fetched, considering the ongoing killing of these majestic creatures, knowingly or unknowingly, without any attempts to save them.

 As a result, it is no surprise that all seven sea turtle species are either threatened or endangered in some areas. Kemp’s Ridley and Hawksbill Sea turtles are critically endangered, while loggerhead sea turtles are the least vulnerable.

Green sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles, and flatback sea turtles are also at risk of extinction.

The declining population of marine turtles is a cause for concern, and we should all take action to save this species.

So, how can we help? Let’s find out more here, Which Sea Turtles Are Endangered? [7 Comprehensive List]

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