Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

02.05.2025

Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

Why in the news?   

          In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation, the endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) has made a triumphant return to the Ganga River after three decades of absence.

About Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle:

• The red-crowned roofed turtle, or Bengal roof turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle endemic to South Asia.
• Scientific Name: Batagur kachuga

Distribution of the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle:

• It is native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
• Historically, the species was widespread in the Ganga River, both in India and Bangladesh.
• It also occurs in the Brahmaputra basin.
• Currently in India, the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is the only area with a substantial population of the species.

Features of the Turtle:

• It is a medium-sized turtle that can grow up to 56 cm in length and can weigh up to 25 kg.
• In comparison to their female counterparts, the males are shorter and reach only half their length.
• They have a reddish-orange colored head with a black crown and a greenish-brown carapace (upper shell) with yellowish patterns.
• Their plastron (lower shell) is yellow with black markings.
• They have a broad head, strong jaws and webbed feet.
• It is omnivorous and feeds on a variety of plants and animals.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN : Critically Endangered
• Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule I
• CITES : Appendix II

                               Source: The Hindu

Consider the following statements regarding Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle:

1. It is a species of freshwater turtle endemic to South Asia.

2. It is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer C