Behler Turtle Conservation Award:
Indian biologist Shailendra Singh has been awarded the Behler Turtle Conservation Award for bringing three critically endangered turtle conservation species back from the brink of extinction.
- There are 29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises in the country.
About Behler Turtle Conservation Award:
- Established in 2006, it is a major annual international award honoring excellence in the field of tortoise and freshwater turtle conservation and biology, and leadership in the chelonian conservation and biology community.
- Also referred to as the “Nobel Prize” of Turtle Conservation.
- Co-presented by Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Turtle Conservancy, and Turtle Conservation Fund.
- In the present context, the three critically endangered turtles are being conserved as a part of TSA India’s research, conservation breeding and education programme in different parts of the country.
- The Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska) is being conserved at the Sunderbans;
- The Red-crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) at Chambal;
- The Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) at different temples in Assam.
