Description

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Context

In a landmark achievement for biodiversity conservation the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle has made a remarkable return to the Ganga River after three decades.

About the Species

Common Names: Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle, Bengal Roof Turtle

Scientific Name: Batagur kachuga

Family: Geoemydidae

Distribution

Native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Widespread in the Ganga River (India and Bangladesh).

Also found in the Brahmaputra basin.

Substantial population survives only in the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary.

Features

Feature	Description
Size	Grows up to 56 cm; weighs up to 25 kg
Sexual Dimorphism	Males are smaller, reaching only half the female's length
Coloration	Head: Reddish-orange with black crown; Carapace: Greenish-brown with yellowish patterns; Plastron: Yellow with black markings
Morphology	Broad head, strong jaws, webbed feet
Diet	Omnivorous – consumes aquatic vegetation, insects, mollusks, and small fish

Conservation Status

Authority	Status
IUCN Red List	Critically Endangered
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972	Schedule I – highest level of protection
CITES	Appendix II – regulated international trade

Threats

Habitat Destruction

River pollution (industrial and domestic waste)

Sand mining and riverbed alteration

Dam construction leading to water flow changes

Poaching and Illegal Trade

Targeted for its meat and shell

Hatchlings often smuggled for exotic pet trade

Nest Predation and Human Interference

Disturbance during nesting season

Predation by feral dogs and other animals

Climate Change

Altered river hydrology

Changes in temperature affect sex determination in hatchlings

Conservation Efforts

In-situ Measures

National Chambal Sanctuary: Stronghold of Batagur kachuga; protected nesting beaches

Community Participation: Local villagers involved in nest protection

River Rejuvenation Projects: Like Namami Gange indirectly benefit turtle habitats

Ex-situ Measures

Captive breeding programs under the Turtle Survival Alliance and Uttar Pradesh Forest Department

Head-starting programs: Hatchlings reared in captivity and released into the wild

Sources: DDNEWS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle consider the following statements:

It is classified as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
It is found naturally in the rivers of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The National Chambal Sanctuary is a major habitat for this species in India.
It is listed under Appendix I of CITES.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The species is classified as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List.

Statement 2 is incorrect. It is native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, not Myanmar.

Statement 3 is correct. The National Chambal Sanctuary hosts the only substantial wild population in India.

Statement 4 is incorrect. It is listed under Appendix II of CITES not Appendix I.

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RED-CROWNED ROOFED TURTLE