Pranab Malakar, commonly known as the Turtle Man of India, is an Indian wildlife conservationist who has dedicated his life to turtle conservation. He looks after the Hayagriva Madhava temple and its surrounding pond in Hajo, Assam, India. The pond is home to several turtle species, including the black softshell turtle, designated “extinct in the wild” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Early Life
Malakar’s fascination with turtles began at a young age. He spent his days playing in a pond near his house, observing the turtles and learning about their behavior, and he loved to watch the turtles swim and sunbathe. He became more conscious of the hazards to turtles as he grew older. He resolved to devote his life to the preservation of these incredible species.
Importance of Turtles in India
Turtles are an essential element of the Assam ecology in India. They help to keep the water clean and healthy by controlling the numbers of aquatic insects and other invertebrates. Turtles are also a food source for larger predators like crocodiles and snakes. Turtles are culturally significant in Assam, in addition to their ecological importance. Turtles are revered in Hinduism and are frequently featured in religious art and literature. Turtles are also employed in Assamese traditional medicine.
Challenges Facing Turtles in India
Turtles in India face several challenges, including:
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Habitat loss
Turtles require many environments, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Many of these habitats, however, are being destroyed due to development, pollution, and climate change.
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Pollution
Turtles are extremely sensitive to pollution, and swallowing pollutants or touching dirty water might result in death.
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Poaching
Turtle meat, shells, and eggs are all poached. In some parts of India, turtle meat is considered a delicacy, while turtle shells are used to manufacture traditional handicrafts.
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Climate change
Turtles are also threatened by climate change. Turtles are ectotherms, which means that their surroundings control their body temperature. Turtles are having problems keeping a comfortable body temperature when the climate changes.
Saving Turtles
Malakar started raising black softshell turtles in the pond at Hayagriva Madhava temple in 2005. He built an artificial incubation center and raised the eggs and hatchlings until they were old enough to be released back into the wild. He also sought to raise awareness of the need for turtle conservation in the local community. Malakar’s efforts have been highly fruitful. Over 10,000 black softshell turtles have been raised by him, and hundreds of them have been reintroduced into the wild.
Malakar has also aided in the promotion of turtle conservation in Assam. The Turtle Survival Alliance honored him with the Turtle Hero Award in 2017. The Government of India honored him with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2018 for his services to turtle conservation. Malakar’s love of turtles shines through in all he does. He is constantly seeking innovative ways to assist turtles. He also educates the general public on the value of turtles and how to safeguard them.
