Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle Latest 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

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Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle Distribution

• 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 Sanctuaryis the only area with a substantial population of the species.

Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle Features

• 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.

Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle Conservation Status

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

Source: DDN