Recently,Indian biologist Shailendra Singhhas been awarded theBehler Turtle Conservation Awardfor bringingthree critically endangered turtle conservation speciesback from the brink of extinction. Shailendra Singh was named to lead the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA)/ Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) India turtle programme.
- There are29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises in the country.
About the award:
- The award has been bestowed by several global bodies involved in turtle conservation such as Turtle Survival Alliance, IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Turtle Conservancy, and Turtle Conservation Fund.
- The Behler Turtle Conservation Award was established in 2006 to recognise outstanding achievements, contributions and leadership excellence in international turtle conservation and biology.
