A group of international scientists have discovered a breeding population of Asian giant softshell turtles on the banks of India’s Chandragiri River. According to an article in the conservation journal Oryx, people from the local community reported sightings and aided in the live release of turtles caught by fisherman.

The softshell turtle has frog-like facial features and is native to the rivers of South and Southeast Asia. They can grow to be more than three feet in length and weigh more than 200 pounds. These turtles are classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The turtle’s population has been in decline due to habitat destruction, over-harvesting for meat and harm from fishing gear. This discovery offers hope for future conservation efforts to help the turtles thrive.