Odisha: Rare Trionychidae turtle rescued by forest department

A rare species of softshell turtle was caught at Jambhira Dam in Odisha by fishermen who were fishing in the area. The Trionychidae turtle was released back into the dam after inspection by the forest officials, according to media reports. The turtle was rescued by locals and the forest department in Mayurbhanj district on June 1. 

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"The turtle was caught in a fishing net in Jambhira Dam. Later, it was released in the dam," District Forest Officer Swayam Mallick said while talking to the press.  

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Trionychidae turtles are found in freshwaters in the continents of Africa, Asia, and North America. The turtles are called softshell because their shell and body doesn't have the horny scales found on other turtles. Softshell turtles have other unique features such as their disproportionately long necks and snorkel-like nostrils.

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Rare black panther spotted

In another incident late last month, a rare black panther was spotted in Chattisgarh's Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. The black panther was captured on the cameras installed for the counting of tigers in the reserve. The sighting was rare because the big cat was spotted after 7 long years in the area, which is known for its tigers. 

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