Manipur: Two endangered turtles rescued in Tengnoupal
In the hills of Tengnoupal district (southern Manipur), two endangered Spiny Hill Turtle (scientific name: Heosemys spinosa, locally known as “Thenggu”) were rescued from small streams in the Pallel-hill region. The species is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Wildlife officials are expressing alarm that the species faces threats from habitat destruction and illegal trade, and the rescued turtles have been handed over to the Manipur Zoological Garden in Imphal for conservation.
• Two adult Spiny Hill Turtles were located and rescued in the Pallel hill area, Tengnoupal district.
• The turtles were found in small streams — their natural micro-habitat.
• Wildlife officials (including the secretary of the Wildlife Conservation & CITES Committee) were involved, and the turtles were subsequently handed over to the Manipur Zoological Garden, Imphal, for conservation purposes.
• Location note: Tremendously remote terrain. Rescues of this kind require coordination, logistics, and often risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the scientific name and common name of the rescued species?
The species is the Spiny Hill Turtle, scientific name Heosemys spinosa, locally known in Manipur as “Thenggu”.
Q2: Where were the turtles rescued from and which district?
They were rescued from small streams in the Pallel hill area of Tengnoupal district, southern Manipur.
Q3: Why are these turtles endangered?
They face threats from habitat destruction (deforestation, stream pollution), collection for the pet/food trade, limited distribution, and fragile hill-stream ecosystems.
Q4: What happens to the turtles now that they’ve been rescued?
They have been handed over to the Manipur Zoological Garden in Imphal for conservation, rehabilitation, and possibly future release into protected habitats.
Q5: How can local communities help protect such species in their area?
Community actions include: reporting illegal wildlife trade, protecting hill-stream habitats (no dumping, no deforestation), participating in conservation awareness campaigns, and supporting local wildlife authorities.
