MARGAO
Goa State Forest Dept staff rescued three semi-aquatic terrestrial turtle species from Colva beach on June 2.
Unlike the Olive Ridley turtles that had visited the Colva beach over two months ago, two of the turtles were Red Eared Sliders, a non-native exotic species, that has unfortunately increased in India due to unregulated pet trade.
Forest Officer, Marine range, Rajesh Naik said the semi-aquatic terrestrial turtles are harmful to local habitats and native wildlife and should not be released. “It appears they may have escaped from captivity or been abandoned and hence found on the beach, which is not their habitat”, he said, even as the Forest dept had appealed to the public to avoid the purchase of these exotic species and to not release them in any natural habitat in Goa.
The other species rescued yesterday was the Indian Flap Shell Turtle, a semi-aquatic terrestrial turtle which is different from the other two and native to Goa. “They live near ponds and streams. It is not allowed under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972 to keep Flapshell turtles as pets. Due to increasing habitat loss, they may be displaced and being reported from the beach or illegally kept captive and escaped or was abandoned,” Naik said.
Thanks to the quick response of the Drishti Marine lifeguards who provide First Responder support to report marine wildlife strandings in Goa to the Forest Dept, Naik said these land turtles were saved from drowning in the sea as they are not adapted to the marine habitat.
“The non-native species will be kept in captivity and the native species will be released in the appropriate habitat. If you spot any wildlife on the beach that appears to be in distress or dead, please report immediately to the nearest lifeguard tower or inform the Goa Forest dept,” Naik added.
