Why in the News?
The red-crowned roofed turtle has returned to the Ganga River after nearly 30 years of absence.
About Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle
- The Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) is one of the most endangered freshwater turtle species in the world.
- It is native to South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
- Historically found in deep, flowing rivers with sandbar nesting sites, it now survives only in the Chambal River, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining.
- This species plays a crucial role in maintaining river ecosystem balance by controlling aquatic vegetation and contributing to nutrient cycling.
- Under the Namami Gange Mission and Turtle Survival Alliance India (TSAFI) project, 20 turtles (10 males, 10 females) were released into the Ganga River at Haiderpur Wetland and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The IUCN Red List categorizes it as Critically Endangered, while India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 lists it in Schedule I, offering the highest legal protection.
- It is also listed under Appendix II of CITES, regulating international trade of the species.
| [UPSC 2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?
Options: (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 how 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. |
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