During the last week of May 2008 we were at Phura village (22.23378 - 92.90697) in course our regular monthly interactions on conservation education and awareness with students and elders. On 29th evening we went for the day’s last visit to our favourite tea stall and came across a tortoise. After initial confusion on account of it being tied we discovered that it was alive and one of us rushed to get our camera, pad and pen.
The person in possession of the tortoise was initially reluctant to talk and said he was surprised we were talking about it at all to him as many people indulged in this practice. We began by telling him that this act on his part was wrong and also prohibited under the law; Wildlife Protection Act. In the discussion that ensued he stated his desire to take it home for his children while his companion mentioned tortoise hunting with help of dogs being practiced in the region. We told him that we would have to release it in the forests away from Phura. During these interactions the members of MTP Phura came over and on their too urging him to hand it over for release the person finally consented. The incident was then shared with Phura VC president who supported the action and suggested Palak Lake area as the best spot for release. Palak Lake is an Important Bird Area (IBA) located within Saiha and 5 kms from Phura.
Within a short while we left for the forests near the Palak Lake and released it. This we believe is a beginning towards our joining hands with institutions that are an integral part of the Mara society towards conserving the unique wildlife values in the region.
Contact: nimesh.ved@gmail.com
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