Following a span of 30 years, 20 critically endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles (Batagur kachuga) have been successfully reintroduced into the Ganga River as part of the Namami Gange Mission, representing a significant achievement in biodiversity conservation
Overview of Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles (Batagur kachuga):
Scientific Classification: Batagur kachuga
Geographical Distribution:
Countries: India, Nepal, Bangladesh
Rivers: Ganga, Brahmaputra (historical); Chambal (current viable habitat)
Conservation Status:
IUCN (Global): Critically Endangered
Indian Wildlife Act: Schedule I (Highest Protection)
CITES (International Trade): Appendix I (Banned)
Distinctive Characteristics:
Size: Females can reach lengths of up to 56 cm (approximately 2 feet) and weigh around 25 kg (55 lbs), while males are significantly smaller and lighter.
Shell: Their robust, ridged shell enables them to navigate strong currents, and juvenile turtles possess angled undersides (plastron) for added protection.
Snout: They feature a short, slightly pointed snout that facilitates breathing while remaining submerged.
Coloration: During the breeding season, males exhibit vibrant red, yellow, and blue markings on their necks to attract females.
Behavior and Habitat:
Habitat: They inhabit deep, swiftly flowing rivers and require sandy beaches or sandbars for egg-laying.
Diet: They are strict herbivores, consuming only aquatic vegetation and algae.
Reproductive Period: Mating and nesting occur between March and April, coinciding with warmer temperatures.
Egg Laying: Females excavate nests in the sand, laying between 11 to 30 eggs per clutch, which typically hatch after 60 to 70 days.
Challenges:
Habitat Degradation: Pollution, dam construction, and excessive water extraction threaten their riverine habitats.
Nesting Challenges: Sand mining and agricultural activities along riverbanks compromise nesting sites, leaving eggs vulnerable.
Poaching and Trade: Despite legal protections, they are hunted for their meat (considered a delicacy) and shells (used for decorative purposes).
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