RED-CROWNED ROOFED TURTLE

NEWS: The red-crowned roofed turtle is clinging to survival in a shrinking sanctuary.

ABOUT

• It is one of the 3 large freshwater species in the genus Batagur found in India.
• Scientific Name – Batagur kachuga.
• It is endemic to North India.
• It is one of the most endangered freshwater turtle species in the world.
• Habitat – Large, flowing river channels with high sandbanks and rocky outcrops; prefers deep pools, riffles, and elevated sandy nesting banks.

Distribution

• Distributed across the Ganga River basin
• Marginal habitat in Bangladesh and Nepal with no confirmed wild populations outside India.
• The National Chambal Sanctuary (Chambal River) at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh remains the only area with a substantial wild population.

Conservation Status

• IUCN – Critically Endangered.
• CITES – Appendix I.
• Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 – Schedule I.