The Red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga) is a freshwater turtle species found in the river systems of South and Southeast Asia, including India.
General Features
The Red-crowned roofed turtle is a medium-sized turtle that can grow up to 56 cm in length and can weigh up to 25 kg. 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.
Females of this species typically lay their eggs in sandy riverbanks or on sandbars in rivers during the dry season. The number of eggs laid by Red-crowned roofed turtles can vary depending on the size and age of the female, as well as other factors such as food availability and environmental conditions.
On average, females of this species lay between 8-10 eggs per clutch, with some larger females laying up to 15 eggs in a single clutch. It’s important to note that not all of the eggs laid will hatch and result in adult turtles.
Habitat and Distribution
The Red-crowned roofed turtle is found in the river systems of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Indonesia. In India, they are found in the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Mahanadi river systems. They prefer slow-moving rivers with sandy or muddy bottoms, where they can bask in the sun.
Food Habits
The Red-crowned roofed turtle is omnivorous and feeds on a variety of plants and animals. They feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers of plants that grow near rivers. They also eat insects, snails, crustaceans, and small fish.
Conservation Status
The Red-crowned roofed turtle is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The primary threats to their survival are habitat loss, hunting, and egg collection. The destruction of nesting sites and riverine habitats due to dam construction, sand mining, and deforestation has led to a decline in their population. Additionally, hunting of adults and collection of eggs for food and traditional medicine have also contributed to their decline.
Conservation efforts
The Government of India has taken several steps to conserve the Red-crowned roofed turtle. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 has banned the hunting and trade of all species of turtles and tortoises. The Forest Department of various states in India is involved in the conservation of these turtles. The Wildlife Trust of India has set up a breeding and conservation program for the Red-crowned roofed turtle in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The program aims to increase the population of these turtles by breeding them in captivity and releasing them back into the wild.
Places to spot Red-crowned roofed turtles in India
The best place to spot Red-crowned roofed turtles in India is the Yamuna River. They can be viewed basking in the sun in many parts and wildlife areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Red-crowned roofed turtle is a critically endangered species found in the river systems of India. They are medium-sized turtles that are omnivorous and prefer slow-moving rivers with sandy or muddy bottoms. The primary threats to their survival are habitat loss, hunting, and egg collection. The government of India has taken several steps to conserve them, including the ban on hunting and trade of all species of turtles and tortoises. The National Chambal Sanctuary is the best place to spot Red-crowned roofed turtles in India.
