Activists pedal for cause of saving turtle

Lucknow: Marking World Turtle Day (May 23), a special cycling awareness campaign was organised at Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre on Saturday to promote turtle conservation and aquatic biodiversity. The programme was organised by UP forest department’s ‘Endangered Species Project’, Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India, and Gomti Task Force of the Territorial Army’s 39 Gorkha Rifles.India is world’s third richest country in freshwater turtle and tortoise diversity, UP alone being home to nearly 50% of the country’s freshwater turtle species. Of the 15 turtle species found in the state, nearly 60% fall under threatened categories.The Kukrail centre currently maintains assurance colonies of 12 freshwater turtle species, eight of which are breeding successfully. Participants, including students, cyclists and nature enthusiasts, joined the rally and awareness activities highlighting the ecological importance of turtles and the urgent need for habitat conservation.