Rewilding of Critically Endangered Elongated Tortoise in Lawachara

As part of our ongoing commitment to recovering Bangladesh’s tortoise populations, we’re thrilled to announce the rewilding of critically endangered elongated tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) at Lawachara National Park.

On December 18th, 2024, a celebratory release ceremony marked the return of six captive-bred juvenile tortoises to their natural habitat. The tortoises will initially reside in a pre-release enclosure for six months, allowing for gradual adaptation to their new environment. Post-release monitoring will utilize radio-telemetry and our @globalconservationforce K9 Clive.

The release ceremony was inaugurated by Mr. Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle, Bangladesh Forest Department. Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, Division Forest Officer, Wildlife Management & Nature Conservation Division, Moulvibazar, Bangladesh Forest Department, chaired the event.

The event brought together a diverse group – officials from the Forest Department, journalists, local conservation organizations, and members of the local community.

This collaborative tortoise rewilding effort is spearheaded by Creative Conservation Alliance in partnership with the Bangladesh Forest Department and Turtle Survival Alliance. We are grateful for the financial support provided by the @usfws and the @opcfhk.