Red Crowned Roofed Turtle

• 02 May 2025

Why in News? 

The Red Crowned Roofed Turtle has returned to the Ganga River after an absence of three decades . 

• This success is a historic biodiversity conservation achievement under the Namami Gange Mission and the Turtle Survival Alliance India (TSAFI) project.

 

Key Points 

•  About the Red Crowned Roofed Turtle: 
  • Scientific name: Batagur kachuga. 
  • Common Names: Bengal Roof Turtle, Red Crowned Roofed Turtle. 
• About: 
  • The Red Crown Roofed Turtle is one of the 24 species endemic to India , the males of which are characterized by bright colours like red, yellow, white and blue on the face and neck. 
• Distribution: 
  • It is a freshwater turtle species found in deep-flowing rivers with nesting sites. 
  • Historically the species was widespread in the Ganges River in both India and Bangladesh. It is also found in the Brahmaputra basin. 
  • Currently the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary in India is the only area that has a significant population of the species, but this protected area and habitat are also now under threat. 
  • Large coastal and riverine projects disrupt river flow and increase water pollution. 
  • Subpopulations suffer due to entanglement in fishing nets and disturbances from human activity. 
  • Pollution, irrigation-related water extraction, and unregulated dam flows degrade natural habitats. 
  • Sand bar habitats used for hunting are shrinking due to increased mining and seasonal agriculture along the Ganga River. 
  • Overharvesting for illegal consumption and international wildlife trade poses a serious threat. 
• Protection Status: 
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List : Critically Endangered 
  • Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972: Schedule I 
  • CITES : Appendix II 
• Rehabilitation 
  • The turtles were released in the Haiderpur wetland in Uttar Pradesh . This area is located along the river Ganga and its ecosystem was considered suitable for the rehabilitation of turtles. 
    • The turtles were divided into two groups – one was released in the upper part of the Ganga Barrage and the other in the lower part. 
  • Each turtle is fitted with a tracking device to monitor their movements and adaptation to the environment. 

Turtle Survival Alliance India (TSAFI) 

• TSAFI represents the Indian chapter of the global Turtle Survival Alliance, which is committed to protecting freshwater turtles and tortoises worldwide. 
• It works to safeguard turtles and tortoises from major threats such as habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and the impacts of climate change. 
• The organisation undertakes diverse initiatives, including: 
  • Scientific research on turtle species and habitats 
  • On-ground conservation projects 
  • Public education and awareness campaigns 
• TSAFI aims to ensure the long-term survival of turtle species in India by combining community involvement with scientific expertise. 

National Chambal Sanctuary 

• The National Chambal Sanctuary, located at the trijunction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. 
  • It is a fragile lotic ecosystem, which is a critically important breeding ground for gharials - fish-eating crocodiles. 
• The sanctuary is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is listed as an ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Area’. 
• The sanctuary is also a proposed Ramsar site, and over 320 species of resident and migratory birds inhabit the area. 

 Namami Gange Programme 

• Namami Gange Programme is an integrated conservation mission, approved by the Central Government in June 2014 as a 'Flagship Programme' to achieve the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution and conservation and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga. 
• It is being operated under the Ministry of Water Resources, Department of River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Ministry of Jal Shakti . 
• In the second phase of Namami Gange Programme (2021-26), the states will focus on speedy completion of projects and preparation of credible Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for projects in Ganga tributary towns. 
• Attention is also being paid to the revival of small rivers and wetlands.