Albino Indian Flapshell Turtle 

Albino Indian Flapshell Turtle 

Part of: Prelims and GS-III – Environment 

Context In the Sirnapalli forest of Telangana, an international forest forensic investigator had a chance encounter with the rarely found species of Albino Indian Flapshell turtle.

About Albino Indian Flapshell Turtle 

• It is a freshwater species of turtle found in South Asia. It is widespread Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. 
• The “flap-shelled” name stems from the presence of femoral flaps. 
• These flaps of skin cover the limbs when they retract into the shell.
• Its IUCN status is Vulnerable.
• While typical Indian flapshell turtles are dark green and brown, the example found recently has a decidedly more vibrant appearance.
• The Indian flapshell turtle’s albino appearance is due to genetics. It is a congenital disorder and it is characterised by complete or partial absence of tyrosine pigment.