State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 24 May 2025

World Turtle Day 2025: UP’s Turtle Conservation Efforts

Why in News?  

As the world marked World Turtle Day on 23rd May, aimed at raising awareness about the ecological importance and protection of turtles, Uttar Pradesh emerged as a leading state in India for turtle conservation. 

Key Points  

• Turtle Species in India:  
  • India is home to 30 species of freshwater turtles, 26 of which are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.  
  • India also hosts 5 sea turtle species: Olive Ridley, Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Leatherback. All of which are protected under Schedule I of WPA, 1972.  
• Species in Uttar Pradesh:   
  • Out of 30 species of turtles found in India, 15 are found in UP, including Brahmani, Pacheda, Kori Pacheda, Kalitoh, Kala Kacchua, Haldi Baath Kacchua, Saal Kacchua Tilakdhari, Dhor Kacchua, Bhootkatha Kacchua, Pahadi Trikutki Kacchua, Sundari Kacchua, Morpankhi Kacchua, Katahwa Litherhwa, Syontar Fighter, Parvati Kacchua, and others.  
• Uttar Pradesh’s Conservation Efforts:  
  • The Sarnath Turtle Breeding and Rehabilitation Centre, which was renovated and redeveloped in 2017, has conserved 3,298 turtles from 2017 to 2025 and released them into the Ganga to keep the ecosystem of the river healthy in Varanasi. 
    • The inclusion of the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre in Namami Gange since 2017 has also reduced smuggling of turtles. 
    • Several other conservation centres have been established, including those in Kukrail, Sarnath and Chambal.  
  • Under the Namami Gange Programme, a turtle sanctuary was set up near Prayagraj in 2020.  
    • It covers 30 km of the catchment areas of the River Ganga and surrounding coastal areas. It stretches across three districts—starting from Kothari Meja in Prayagraj, passing through Mirzapur and Bhadohi, and reaches up to Uparwar.  

PTR’s Plan to Curb Illegal Trafficking of Turtles 

• Authorities at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on World Turtle Day 2025 unveiled a long-term strategic plan to curb illegal turtle trafficking, promote scientific conservation, and restore habitats.  
  • Freshwater turtles are frequently smuggled to countries including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand for use in traditional medicine, and consumption of meat, eggs, and even blood.  
• Pilibhit-Kheri region is one of the five most sensitive turtle-trafficking zones in Uttar Pradesh by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) during its 2018 Operation Save Kurma.  
  • Uttar Pradesh ranks third in turtle diversity after Assam and West Bengal, with 13 of the (15) species found in Pilibhit's rivers, lakes, Sharda Sagar Dam, and other water bodies. 
• The plan includes rehabilitating identified turtle traffickers by linking them with govt-subsidised pisciculture schemes as a sustainable livelihood option. This is the first initiative of its kind in Uttar Pradesh. 
  • A Turtle Conservation and Research Centre is also being set up along River Mala, funded by CAMPA.  

Turtles 

• About:  
  • Turtles are reptiles distinguished by a cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs, forming a protective shield. 
  • Unlike other animals with shells, turtles cannot shed or exit their shell, as it is an integral part of their skeleton. 
• Habitat:  
  • Turtles can live in both freshwater and marine (sea) environments.  
• Characteristics:  
  • Turtles are cold-blooded (ectothermic) species, i.e., they can regulate their body temperature by moving between warmer and cooler environments.  
  • Like other ectotherms such as insects, fish, and amphibians, they exhibit slow metabolism and can survive extended periods without food or water. 
    • Species in UP like Katahwa, Morpankhi, Saal, and Sundari play an essential role in keeping water bodies clean and ecologically balanced amidst growing pollution concerns. 
• Significance:  
  • Turtles are considered one of the oldest and longest-living creatures on earth and play a vital role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems. Often referred to as the "cleaners of water bodies", these creatures help control pollution in rivers, ponds and lakes. 
• Turtles vs Tortoise:  
  • Tortoises differ from other turtles primarily by being strictly terrestrial, while many turtle species are partially aquatic. 
  • Although all tortoises are turtles, not all turtles are tortoises. They are generally shy, solitary animals that lay eggs on land by burying them in nests.  

Operation Save Kurma  

• To curb the commercial exploitation of the turtles and tortoises Operation Save Kurma was launched in 2016, focussing on the major states related to poaching, transportation and illegal trade of live turtles and tortoises.  
• The operation involved 10 States – Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and West Bengal.