Freshwater turtles play a vital role in maintaining healthy river and wetland ecosystems. They help recycle nutrients, remove carrion, and contribute to overall ecological balance.

India is home to one of the world's richest turtle diversities, currently with 31 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises found across its rivers, wetlands, forests, and floodplains.

Major threats include habitat loss, river pollution, illegal wildlife trade, accidental capture in fishing gear, sand mining, unsustainable harvesting, and climate change.

Yes. ITCP supports rescue, rehabilitation, and, wherever possible, the safe release of injured, displaced, or illegally traded turtles in collaboration with government agencies and conservation partners.

Absolutely. Through our citizen science initiatives and the Kurma platform, members of the public can report turtle sightings, nesting activity, roadkills, or conservation threats, helping generate valuable data for research and protection efforts.

Avoid handling the turtle unnecessarily. Keep it safe from immediate threats and contact your nearest Forest Department office, wildlife rescue organization, or the ITCP team for guidance.

Almost all native turtle species are protected under Indian wildlife laws. Capturing, possessing, trading, or keeping wild native turtles without authorization is illegal and may attract penalties.

ITCP partners with local communities, fishers, schools, religious institutions, and government agencies to promote conservation awareness, reduce threats, and encourage sustainable stewardship of freshwater ecosystems.

Volunteers can contribute to field surveys, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, educational outreach, awareness campaigns, habitat restoration activities, and citizen science programs.

You can support ITCP by volunteering, donating, participating in awareness campaigns, reporting turtle sightings, adopting sustainable practices, and helping spread awareness about freshwater turtle conservation.

Yes. Research is a core part of ITCP's work and includes species monitoring, population assessments, habitat studies, conservation planning, and threat mitigation to support evidence-based conservation.

Kurma is ITCP's citizen science and reporting platform that enables individuals to contribute turtle observations, report threats, and participate directly in conservation efforts.

ITCP works across priority freshwater ecosystems in India, including rivers, wetlands, reservoirs, floodplains, and other habitats that support threatened turtle populations.

Educational institutions, corporate organizations, NGOs, and government agencies can partner with ITCP for awareness programs, conservation projects, research collaborations, volunteer initiatives, and CSR-supported activities.