The red-crowned roofed turtle, scientifically known as Batagur kachuga, has been reintroduced into the Ganga river. This species is critically endangered and its conservation is vital to maintaining biodiversity in the region.
These turtles are endemic to India and can also be found in parts of Bangladesh and Nepal. Their natural habitat consists of riverine environments, making the Ganga river a suitable location for their reintroduction.
A total of twenty turtles, comprising ten males and ten females, were released near the Haiderpur Wetland and the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. This release marks an important milestone for conservation efforts in India.
To monitor their movements and health post-release, each turtle has been fitted with sonic transmitters attached to their shells. This technology allows researchers to gather data on their behavior and adapt conservation strategies accordingly.
This initiative is significant as it represents the first such reintroduction exercise for the red-crowned roofed turtle in India. Successful monitoring and adaptation will provide valuable insights that can guide future conservation efforts for this species and others.
The red-crowned roofed turtle possesses distinctive features, including large, curved shells that can reach lengths of up to 56 cm and weights of up to 25 kg. It is noteworthy that males are typically smaller than females, which is a common characteristic in many turtle species.
In India, the population of the red-crowned roofed turtle is primarily concentrated in the Chambal river, with estimates indicating fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild. This highlights the urgent need for conservation measures.
Female turtles of this species generally lay between 11 and 30 eggs during the breeding season, which occurs in March and April. Protecting their nesting sites is crucial for the survival of this species.
The future belongs to those who are willing to protect what they cannot yet see but know is vital for tomorrow.
Q1. What is the red-crowned roofed turtle's conservation status?
Answer: The red-crowned roofed turtle is critically endangered, with a population primarily found in the Chambal river, estimated at fewer than 300 individuals.
Q2. How are the released turtles monitored?
Answer: Each turtle is equipped with sonic transmitters that enable researchers to track their movements and health after release.
Q3. What is the significance of this reintroduction initiative?
Answer: It is the first reintroduction of the red-crowned roofed turtle in India, providing insights for future conservation strategies for endangered species.
Q4. Where are these turtles primarily found?
Answer: They are primarily found in riverine environments in India, with populations also reported in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Q5. When do female red-crowned roofed turtles lay eggs?
Answer: Female turtles typically lay eggs between March and April, with clutches containing 11 to 30 eggs.
Question 1: What species of turtle was recently reintroduced into the Ganga river?
A) Green turtle
B) Red-crowned roofed turtle
C) Olive ridley turtle
D) Hawksbill turtle
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many turtles were released during the reintroduction effort?
A) Fifteen
B) Twenty
C) Ten
D) Fifty
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What technology is used to track the released turtles?
A) GPS trackers
B) Sonic transmitters
C) RFID tags
D) Camera traps
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Where is the population of the red-crowned roofed turtle mainly concentrated?
A) Ganga river
B) Yamuna river
C) Chambal river
D) Brahmaputra river
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: During which months do female red-crowned roofed turtles typically lay eggs?
A) January - February
B) March - April
C) May - June
D) July - August
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What is the maximum length of the red-crowned roofed turtle's shell?
A) 40 cm
B) 50 cm
C) 56 cm
D) 60 cm
Correct Answer: C
Question 7: What is the primary goal of the reintroduction initiative?
A) Increase tourism
B) Guide future conservation efforts
C) Study river ecosystems
D) Promote wildlife photography
Correct Answer: B
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