Context:
Sixteen Indian Softshell Turtles were rescued in Greater Noida, highlighting concerns over wildlife trafficking and conservation threats.
Key Highlights:
- Species Characteristics
- Large freshwater turtle native to South Asia.
- Flat olive-green carapace with black streaks on the head.
- Possesses a tubular snorkel-like snout for breathing while submerged.
- Habitat and Distribution
- Found in slow-moving rivers, canals, and wetlands with muddy or sandy bottoms.
- Distributed across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan.
- Prominent in Indus, Ganga, and Mahanadi basins.
- Behaviour and Ecology
- Omnivorous diet: fish, amphibians, molluscs, plants, carrion.
- Functions as an ambush predator and river scavenger.
- Exhibits aestivation during dry seasons.
- Ecological Role
- Maintains river ecosystem health by:
- Consuming dead organic matter
- Regulating prey populations
- Threats
- Poaching and illegal trade
- Habitat loss and sand mining
- Fishing net entanglement
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Scientific Name: Nilssonia gangetica
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I (highest protection)
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
- Aestivation: Dormancy during dry conditions