IMPHAL : The Asian Giant Tortoise is a critically endangered species and native to northeast Indian states such as Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya. Making headway with the conservation of these tortoises, Manipur Zoological Garden is now all set to initiate a conservation breeding programme, to release them in the wild. This will contribute to increasing the numbers of this highly threatened species and return them to their native habitats. 

MZG also conducted a one-day capacity building workshop in collaboration with ITCP on 21 August 2025, focussed on training 25 Zoo-keepers and Frontline forest staff on conservation and management of tortoises and freshwater turtles.

“As valued as MZG is for the flagship breeding of Sangai or Brow-antlered deer, we look forward to initiating the conservation of another magnificent yet lesser-known reptile, the Asian Giant Tortoises. Dedicated facilities will be developed and efforts will be put to conduct successful breeding of the species every year and continue with phase-wise releases in the wild”, said Mr. Laishram Biramangol Singh, Director, MZG. 

The hatchlings are now under proper husbandry care and it is believed to be an important landmark event in the field of tortoise and turtle conservation in the state. Sushmita Kar, Project Coordinator for ITCP said, “We will simultaneously conduct assessments for suitable habitats for the species and collect information on its native distribution ranges in different districts of Manipur to understand their population status and address the specific conservation requirements for Asian Giant Tortoises in Manipur”.

The project team thanked the PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden, Manipur for extending huge support leading to this success. The initiative has been actively supported by Dr. L. Sarat Chandra, Veterinarian, MZG, Georgie Yumnam, Range Officer, MZG and Durga Charan Karmakar, Animal attendant, MZG.

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