Turtles play a significant role in the ecosystem by maintaining the balance in the food web and acting as scavengers to keep the surrounding clean. Turtles being globally endangered group of animals, face extreme survival challenges in terms of climate change, pollution and various anthropogenic threats. In India there are 31 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises and five species of marine turtles. However there exists a severe dearth of knowledge among citizens on how to co-exist with these animals and be ecologically more responsible. The Indian Turtle Conservation Action Network was established in 2018 after recommendation at National level Freshwater Turtle and Tortoise Strategic Planning held in 2011.This network was created to address the dearth of knowledge existing on freshwater turtles and tortoises of India, their identification and information on species distribution. Moreover addressing the lack of community awareness to protect critical turtle habitat and turtle population by strengthening a network of interested citizens that will work towards conserving turtles across the country. This initiative, wishes to bring change in the minds of citizens and ensure a better future for these crucial species.

KURMA Tracking Indian Turtles

This citizen science initiative brings together citizens, researchers, conservation professionals, government agencies, and other stakeholders on a shared platform to strengthen freshwater turtle conservation across India. At the heart of this initiative is KURMA, a mobile application designed to connect people with experts and empower them to contribute directly to conservation efforts. Through the app, users can report turtle sightings, document threats, share observations, access reliable information, and connect with specialists for guidance. By encouraging public participation and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, Kurma helps build a nationwide network dedicated to protecting India's freshwater turtles. Developed in collaboration with LeopardTech Labs, the app derives its name from Kurma, the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. During the legendary Samudra Manthana (Churning of the Ocean of Milk), Kurma supported Mount Mandara on his back, enabling the gods and demons to churn the ocean in their quest for Amrit, the nectar of immortality. The name symbolizes strength, resilience, and the vital role turtles play in sustaining healthy ecosystems. Kurma is available free of charge on the Google Play Store, making it easy for anyone to become a part of India's growing freshwater turtle conservation network.

Features of the App:

• Digital field guide providing information on freshwater turtles and tortoises of India such as scientific, common and local names; national and international conservation statuses; species distribution and threats

• Supplementary information such as annotated diagrams and vocabulary list with field guide

• Report a Turtle, where users can upload photos of turtles or tortoises encountered, with relevant information fields made available within the app to gain more information such as whether the specimen is live or deceased, wild or captive or a museum collection etc. GPS locations of uploads will be recorded but only accessible on backpanel to owners of the app

• Availability of list of CZA recognized rescue and rehabilitation centres that are linked with googlemaps, where based on the user’s current location, an interactive map will show the nearest centres and their contact details • Nationwide map showing users from across the country to show the prevalence of the app

Click to Download

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.leopard.kurma&pcampaignid=web_share

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