Tortoise Guardians Protect Species

In a remarkable conservation turnaround, communities in India’s remote Nagaland region are helping bring the critically endangered Asian giant tortoise back from the brink of extinction. The species—which is mainland Asia’s largest tortoise—had been devastated by hunting and habitat loss, with only a tiny population remaining in the wild. A captive breeding program that began with just 13 rescued tortoises has now produced more than 100 hatchlings. Local tribal communities are responsible for the success of the program, utilizing the help of “Tortoise Guardians”—young men and women who are trained to track and care for the released tortoises in community forest reserves across Nagaland. The community-led approach has been far more successful than previous government-led efforts, offering an example of how education, local involvement, and long-term conservation can help restore endangered species and rebuild ecosystems. 

Image via Good News Network

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