Archive · 25 May 2025
150 Rare Turtles Rescued; International Smuggling Suspected
Some people were caught with over 150 turtles that are supposed to be protected.
They were trying to smuggle them.
The police caught them in Pilibhit, but one person got away.
The turtles are a few different kinds, like the Indian soft shell.
The people who were caught said they bought the turtles from a place near a river, and they were going to sell them somewhere else.
The police think there might be a big, international group involved in this turtle smuggling.
Sadly, some of the turtles died, and some were hurt.
Over 150 turtles of protected species were rescued in Pilibhit.
Two traffickers were apprehended, and one is at large.
The turtles were being transported in an SUV.
Officials suspect an international smuggling connection.
Turtles were sourced from Rasulabad and were to be supplied to Udhamsingh Nagar.
- Who
- Pilibhit Tiger Reserve authorities, two apprehended traffickers, and one at large.
- What
- 150+ turtles of protected species rescued, traffickers apprehended.
- When
- Saturday afternoon.
- Where
- Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh; Rasulabad-Kanpur road.
- Why
- To curb turtle trafficking and protect endangered species.
- Location
- Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh
- Rescued Turtles
- 150+
- Species
- Indian soft shell, Indian flap shell, Indian peacock shell, and Indian narrow head species
- Legal Protection
- Wildlife Protection Act's Schedule-I
- Turtle Price (Reported)
- Rs 150 per kilogram
Sources
‘Collective efforts needed for conservation of turtles’
World Turtle Day: Wake-up Call from Delhi’s wetlands
‘Turtles are key indicators of healthy environ, awareness must to save them’
Assam’s Nagshankar becomes model temple for turtle conservation
