Why in the News?
India’s first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle was released in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, coinciding with Endangered Species Day.
Key Highlights
- The turtle was released in the 1,302 sq. km Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
- The project aims to study:
- Seasonal movement patterns
- Home range
- Nesting and breeding habitats
- Conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with:
- Kaziranga National Park authorities
- Assam Forest Department
- Funded by the National Geographic Society.
About the Ganges Soft-shell Turtle
- Scientific name: Nilssonia gangetica
- Freshwater turtle species found in:
- Large rivers
- Lakes
- Reservoirs
- Identified by arrowhead-shaped markings on the head.
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- Protected under:
- Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Ecological Importance
- Major river predator and scavenger.
- Helps maintain river health by feeding on dead and decaying animal matter.
Assam and Turtle Conservation
- Assam is a priority region for freshwater turtle conservation.
- Out of eight soft-shell turtle species found in India, five occur in the Kaziranga landscape.
| [2019] Consider the following statements: 1. Some species of turtles are herbivores. 2. Some species of fish are herbivores. 3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores. 4. Some species of snakes are viviparous. Which of the statements given above are correct? [A] 1 and 3 only [B] 2, 3 and 4 only [C] 2 and 4 only [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
