CANTOR'S GIANT SOFTSHELL TURTLE
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Picture Courtesy: https://officerspulse.com/cantors-giant-softshell-turtle/
Context: The first-ever nesting report of the Cantor's giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) marks a significant milestone in the conservation efforts for this incredibly rare and endangered species.
Key Highlights
- The Cantor's giant softshell turtle is an extremely rare species native to South and Southeast Asia.
- It is facing critical endangerment due to habitat destruction and human activities like harvesting for meat and accidental capture in fishing gear.
- The species is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, indicating a high risk of extinction.
Discovery and Location
- The community-led efforts resulted in the documentation of the first-ever instance of a female turtle nesting. Eggs from flooded nests were rescued, and the hatchlings were released into the river.
- The discovery involves the first-ever evidence of nesting and identification of a breeding population of the Cantor's giant softshell turtle. The location of this groundbreaking find is the Chandragiri River in Kerala.
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Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle |
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Common Names |
Cantor's giant softshell turtle, Asian giant softshell turtle, frog-faced softshell turtle |
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Distribution |
Historically found throughout South and Southeast Asia. Currently, fragmented populations in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and possibly others. |
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Habitat |
Inhabits slow-moving rivers, streams, lakes, and estuaries. Prefers sandy or muddy river bottoms. |
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Appearance |
Extremely large freshwater turtle (up to 1 meter in length). Soft, leathery shell (carapace) lacking scutes. Flattened body for burying in sand and mud. Long, pointed snout with eyes near the tip giving a "frog-faced" appearance. Webbed feet for swimming. |
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Behaviour |
Spends most of its life buried in sand, with only eyes and snout visible. Ambush predator, lying in wait to capture prey (fish, crustaceans, etc.). Surfaces only twice a day to breathe. Secretive and elusive, making it difficult to study. |
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Diet |
Carnivorous, primarily eats: Fish, Crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, etc.), and Mollusks (snails, clams, etc.). |
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Reproduction |
Little is known about their reproduction in the wild. Lays eggs in sandy riverbanks. Nests are vulnerable to predation and human collection. |
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Conservation |
Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to: Habitat destruction and degradation, Hunting for meat and eggs, Illegal pet trade. |
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the conservation status of the Cantor's giant softshell turtle? A) Least Concern B) Vulnerable C) Endangered D) Critically Endangered Answer: D Explanation: The IUCN Red List classifies this species as Critically Endangered due to threats like habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. They are at a very high risk of extinction in the wild. |
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