As part of long-term conservation, Prokriti O Jibon Foundation has been carrying out Project Batagur Baska in association with Bangladesh Forest Department, Vienna Zoo of Austria, and Turtle Survival Alliance of USA. The purpose of this project is to reintroduce captive breeding of the turtle Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska) at the Bhawal National Park of Gazipur and the Karamjal station of Sundarbans. Batagur Baska is a species of riverine turtle originated in South Asia which is now enlisted as a Critically Endangered species by IUCN. This critically endangered turtle is found in Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. Due to various reasons such as illegal turtle trade, fragmentation of habitats, accidental capture in fishing nets etc. this species is at the edge of extinction.
The process of captive breeding of this species is currently going on at the Bhawal National Park and the Karamjal station of Bangladesh. Till date, total 455 Batagur Baska are there at both the captive breeding centers. Besides, seven male terrapins were released with satellite transmitters in order to collect information about their movements and habitats.
