Nagshankar Temple, located in Biswanath district in northeastern Assam, has been named a model temple for turtle conservation. This recognition was given on May 23, 2025, during a special event held on World Turtle Day.
The event celebrated the temple’s important work in protecting turtles, which are deeply respected in Assam’s culture.
The event was organized by several groups, including Kaziranga National Park, Assam State Zoo, Nagshankar Temple Committee, Chaidur College and conservation organizations like Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Foundation India, Aaranyak and Help Earth.
The event also honoured local people called ”Kaso Mitras,” or turtle friends. These community members help protect turtles in the area.
Turtle Species Protected at Nagshankar Temple
The temple conserves 13 species of freshwater turtles. These include:
- Black Softshell Turtle: Critically Endangered
- Assam Roofed Turtle: Critically Endangered
- Indian Softshell Turtle: Endangered
- Peacock Softshell Turtle: Endangered
- Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle: Endangered
- Spotted Pond Turtle: Endangered
- Tricarinate Hill Turtle: Endangered
- Indian Flapshell Turtle: Vulnerable
- Indian Roofed Turtle: Vulnerable
- Brown Roofed Turtle: Near Threatened
- Brown Roofed Turtle: Near Threatened
- Assam Leaf Turtle: Near Threatened
- Indian Tent Turtle: Least Concern
- Indian Black Turtle: Least Concern
