Why in the News?
Police in Greater Noida rescued 16 Indian Softshell Turtles from smugglers. The species is protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act.
About Indian Softshell Turtle
- Scientific Name: Nilssonia gangetica
- Also called: Gangetic Softshell Turtle
- Type: Freshwater turtle
- Family: Trionychidae (soft shelled turtles)
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix I
Habitat & Distribution
- Found in river systems: Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi
- Countries: India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh
- Habitat: Deep rivers, Lakes, Canals, and Muddy riverbeds
Key Features
- Leathery soft shell
- Olive green colour
- Long snorkel like nose
- Size up to 94 cm
- Omnivorous scavenger
Why Smuggled
- Myth of 20 claws brings good luck
- Used in illegal wildlife trade
- False medicinal beliefs
| [2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and now it is impossible to prevent its extinction. (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India. (d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context. |
