The first phase of a scientific study on turtles inhabiting the Kalyan Sagar Lake near the revered Tripurasundari Temple located in the Gomati District of Tripura has been successfully completed. This information was shared by the Gomati District Magistrate in a Facebook post today.
The study, conducted in partnership with the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation (TSAF), utilized custom hoop traps to safely capture turtles for assessment. The turtles were then tagged using toe clips, a standard method in turtle research. Each captured turtle underwent morphometry measurements, weight assessments, length evaluations, and health status checks, all conducted by TSAF experts.
The main goal of the study is to determine the exact population of turtles in the lake, understand their health condition, study their breeding patterns, and gather data on other scientific aspects of the species. The second phase of the study is set to begin after the monsoon season.
District Magistrate Tarit Kanti Chakma expressed his gratitude to Dr. Arunima Singh and Dr. Sushmita Kar of the Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation for their technical expertise and collaboration in this conservation initiative.
Kalyan Sagar Lake, located next to the renowned Tripura Sundari temple, is home to rare species of freshwater turtles and plays a significant ecological and religious role in the region. The findings of this study could provide valuable insights for the conservation and protection of these unique turtle species in Tripura.
