A scientific survey covering a 174-km stretch of the Brahmaputra within Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has recorded 945 freshwater turtles, reinforcing the river’s status as a globally significant freshwater biodiversity hotspot.
The fifth annual survey of aquatic reptiles, with a special focus on freshwater turtles and tortoises of the landscape, was conducted by the Park authorities in collaboration with the India Turtle Conservation Programme (ITCP) .
Key findings of the survey
- The rapid boat survey was conducted from January 14 to 18, 2026 covering a 174 kilometre stretch of the Brahmaputra flowing through the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve.
- A total of 945 freshwater turtles were recorded, belonging to seven species.
- These included 876 hardshell turtles and 69 softshell turtles.
- The survey documented 55 hardshell turtles of the genus Pangshura.
- Importantly, 13 softshell turtles were sighted, including four critically endangered black softshell turtles.
