Pune: 468 Rescued Turtles Begin Rehabilitation At Bavdhan Transit Centre
Pune Forest Department to Release 448 Turtles Back into the Wild After Successful Rehabilitation
Pune, December 6, 2024 – The Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) in Bavdhan has emerged as a critical sanctuary for turtle conservation, rehabilitating 468 rescued turtles since its establishment on November 1, 2024. The Pune forest department initiated the centre as part of a focused rehabilitation programme for turtles rescued across Maharashtra, excluding the Vidarbha region.
The programme prioritizes six freshwater species, including Indian roofed turtles, Indian tent turtles, black-spotted pond turtles, and brown roofed turtles, all protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Rescued turtles from areas such as Thane, Nashik, and Solapur are transferred to the facility.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Efforts
Turtles were recovered during anti-trafficking raids conducted by forest officials, NGOs, and wildlife conservationists. Most of these turtles, primarily rescued from Thane district, are undergoing a structured rehabilitation process to restore their health and prepare them for release into their natural habitats in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, and Maharashtra by February or March next year.
A member of the RESQ Charitable Trust explained, “Each rescued turtle undergoes a primary health check-up to identify any ailments. Many suffer from metabolic bone disorders due to prolonged captivity. Based on their health condition, they are housed either indoors or in open enclosures to support their recovery.”
The TTC is dedicated to providing extensive care for rescued turtles and ensuring their safe reintegration into the wild. Future rescues will also follow this multi-phase rehabilitation process, ensuring sustainable wildlife conservation.
