A black soft-shell turtle, an endangered species, was found dead and floating in the pond adjacent to the Shiva temple at Baneswar in Cooch Behar on Thursday.

The death has left the residents worried over the conservation of the species. In the past few weeks, some other turtles had died in accidents while crossing the road from the pond.

Such deaths had made the residents observe a five-hour general strike on November 9. Locally known as “Mohans,” the black soft-shell turtle has been marked as critically endangered in the red data book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which specifies the vulnerability of animal species.

“A Mohan was seen floating in the Shivdighi at Baneshwar today. Some others have fallen ill in the pond. It is a matter of concern for us as the Debuttor Trust Board that looks after the temple and the pond has not done anything for the conservation of the species,” said Parimal Barman, the president of the Mohan Raksha Committee.

Later, the forest department fished out the turtle.

Barman said another turtle had died recently.

“The pond is so deep that in winter, the water doesn’t get warm in sunlight. At this time, the turtles need warmth. Some turtles had died in the pond last year because of that,” he added.

Sources said the Shivdighi in Baneswar and some other adjoining ponds are habitats of the Mohans.

“Every day, tourists
visit Baneswar to see the turtles. They are even venerated by a section of people here.
We are surprised over
the indifference of the Debuttor Trust Board,” said a resident.

Representatives of the board, however, said a number of measures had been taken earlier.

They said the board had drained half of the water in the pond, taken away sick turtles to a separate place for treatment, increased the amount of food and engaged experts for proper conservation of the species.

“We are aware of the situation. Necessary steps will be taken,” said a member of the board.