With the help of the Center for Wildlife Research and Conservation Action, a volunteer student network based at Guwahati University’s Zoology Department, we initiated a freshwater turtle education program in the state of Assam (northeast India adjacent to northern Myanmar).  This project aims to spread awareness regarding various endangered freshwater turtle species especially Pangshura sylhetensis, Nilssonia nigricans and Pelochelys cantori.  In addition, the project will assess the status and distribution of these three species.  From this information, we plan to formulate a long- term conservation action plan based heavily on community participation.  This research was supported with a grant from the Rufford Small Grant Foundation and the TSA India Program.

- Brian Horne and Shailendra Singh

Turtle conservation in Malaysia is set to enter a new and exciting era with the country’s current King, who is also the Sultan of Terengganu giving the nod to the establishment of a turtle institute under his foundation, the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation.