Daily News Analysis ‘Ganges Soft-Shell Turtle
’ : 16 May
Why in News:
India’s first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle was released into Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve to coincide with Endangered Species Day observations.
Anatomical Identification: A large freshwater reptile distinct from other riverine turtles due to its unique arrowhead-shaped markings on the top of its head.
Legal & Protection Status:
Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972: Placed under Schedule I, granting it the highest degree of legal protection against hunting and trade in India.
IUCN Red List Status: Classified globally as Endangered.
Habitat Distribution: Predominantly inhabits deep, large rivers, lakes, mud-bottomed systems, and reservoirs across the Indus, Ganga, Mahanadi, and Brahmaputra river basins.
Ecological Significance: Functions as a major freshwater river predator and scavenger; it cleans up the aquatic ecosystem by feeding on dead, decaying animal organic matter.
Soft-Shell Taxonomy: Unlike hard-shelled testudines, soft-shell turtles (family Trionychidae) lack bony keratinized scutes; their shells are leathery, flexible, and covered by thick skin, allowing them to move faster in muddy riverbeds.
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