Nepal is home to 17 species of turtles, some of which are critically endangered. Turtles in Nepal face a host of threats—habitat loss due to urbanization, agricultural expansion, pollution, hunting, and illegal trade. The Terai region’s wetlands and community-managed forests are among the last remaining strongholds for these vulnerable species. Yet, much of their distribution outside national parks remains unstudied, and they continue to decline unnoticed.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says Nepal’s turtle population is in serious risk. Four species are listed as Critically Endangered, seven as Endangered, two as Vulnerable, and two as Near Threatened and only two species as Least Concerned.

Despite this alarming situation, no policy action has been taken yet. Nepal’s National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (NPWC) Act of 1973 currently protects 26 mammal species, nine bird species, and three reptiles—but not a single turtle species is included. Conservationists argue that this outdated list no longer reflects Nepal’s biodiversity crisis and urgently needs revision.

Turtles, often overshadowed by charismatic megafauna like rhinos and tigers, receive minimal attention in conservation planning. As a result, official efforts and resources continue to be directed toward more iconic species, leaving turtles at the mercy of local communities and grassroots initiatives.

One of the key figures in Nepal’s turtle conservation journey is Prof Hermann Schleich, a German zoologist and founder of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Society of Nepal (ARCO-Nepal). In 1997, he spearheaded the country’s first turtle conservation strategy involving local communities, laying the groundwork for what would become a national model.

A major milestone came in 2012 with the establishment of the Turtle Rescue and Conservation Centre (TRCC) in eastern Nepal. This collaboration between ARCO-Nepal and the Sukhani Martyrs Memorial Foundation (SUMMEF) marked a turning point.

In 2018, TRCC transitioned to full community management—the first such center in the country. This shift has laid the foundation for expanding community-based turtle conservation across the country.

“To date, we’ve rescued and released 11 species of turtles, including the invasive Red-eared Slider,” said Tapil Prakash Rai, the lead keeper at TRCC. “The Indian Flap-shell Turtle is the most commonly found species, making up around 80 percent of all rescues.”

The center provides treatment in consultation with ARCO-Nepal and local veterinarians and releases common species back into the wild. However, challenges persist. "Rescues become difficult when people refuse to surrender turtles," Rai noted. “We often rely on support from the Division Forest Office in Jhapa during such cases.”

Despite its achievements, the TRCC struggles with limited funding, infrastructure, and medical facilities. It lacks the essential resources needed to provide proper rehabilitation for injured turtles.

Local wetlands are also stepping up. At the Betana Wetland, Secretary Dhan Bahadur Rai highlighted community involvement in turtle conservation. “Over the past decade, we’ve rescued and released between 100 to 150 turtles—mostly Indian Flap-shells,” he said.

He recounted how locals bring in turtles injured in road accidents or while working in paddy fields. “We’ve managed to treat a few turtles using basic first aid, but we lack proper care facilities, training, and supplies,” he added.

Turtles play a crucial role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem health. Their foraging behavior helps recycle nutrients and break down pollutants, making them key indicators of water quality and ecosystem vitality. Experts stress that preserving turtles is not just about saving a species—it’s about sustaining the ecosystems they support.

As community-driven initiatives pick up momentum, conservationists are calling on the government to do its part. “The efforts of these local communities show what’s possible,” said Dhan Bahadur Rai. “But without national recognition and support, the long-term survival of Nepal’s turtles remains uncertain.”

He concluded with a simple but powerful message: “Yes, turtles matter. Their silent crisis deserves to be heard. Conservation must go beyond charismatic animals—before it’s too late.”

Limbu is a research assistant at the Nature Conservation and Study Centre, and a commission member of IUCN SSC, Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group.