Kerala - Within the heart of India's southern state lies a secret haven, concealed amidst the banks of Chandragiri River, where an enigmatic creature, dubbed the 'ghost turtle,' has long eluded human sight. Yet, amidst the shadows, a beacon of hope emerges as scientists unravel its mysteries.
Conservationists and researchers have unveiled the nesting grounds of the elusive Cantor's giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii), a species so rare it has earned the moniker of 'ghost turtle' for its scarcity in sightings. This remarkable discovery brings a glimmer of joy amidst concerns over the dwindling population of these critically endangered creatures.
Published under the title 'Using Local Ecological Knowledge of Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle Pelochelys Cantorii in Kerala, India,' the research involved collaboration among numerous universities, international institutions, and local communities.
A spokesperson from the University of Portsmouth, one of the participating institutions, highlighted the species' elusive nature and longstanding allure among environmentalists. Moreover, the turtle's scarcity has rendered it akin to a specter, haunting the imaginations of those passionate about conservation efforts.
Biologist Francoise Cabada-Blanco, also from the University of Portsmouth, likened the turtle's presence to that of a ghost, noting its infrequent sightings despite the bustling biodiversity backdrop of India.
"For years, the presence of Cantor's turtle has been scarcely discussed, despite the rich biodiversity backdrop in India. Its rare appearances have lent it an almost ghostly presence," she remarked, as cited by BBC on Sunday (2/25/2024).
After several unsuccessful attempts using conventional ecological survey methods, researchers adopted a different approach, tapping into local knowledge and historical sightings to pinpoint the exact location of the Cantor's turtle nesting sites.
"Involving the community proved to be an incredibly effective strategy," emphasized Francoise.
Ayushi Jain from the Edge of Existence program at the Zoological Society of London further elaborated that through this local approach, researchers not only listened but also learned.
"Through household interviews and the formation of local alert networks, we didn't just listen; we learned," she stated.
"The willingness of the community to engage has been the backbone of our project, enabling us to document not only fleeting turtle sightings but also evidence of reproductive populations. This discovery reshapes the narrative surrounding a species once thought extinct from Indian waters," Jain added. aplikasi affilio
This groundbreaking research marks the first documentation of female nesting sites and the successful rescue of eggs from inundated nests. The Cantor's giant softshell turtle inhabits freshwater habitats, with individuals known to exceed one meter in length and weigh over 100 kilograms. Currently, researchers are working towards establishing hatcheries and community breeding programs near the discovery site, ensuring the preservation of this remarkable species for generations to come.
