UPSC Articles
Indian Tent Turtles
Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III: Conservation
Context: Indian tent turtle is listed in Schedule –I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 and is thereby provided the highest degree of protection.
- The species is endemic to India and Bangladesh.
- A semi-aquatic species, mainly found in river and associated systems.
- Reproduction is oviparous.
- Damming of river, habitat degradation are other factors posing a great threat to the population.
The Government has taken several steps to protect wildlife and its habitats including for Indian tent turtle species:
- Protected Areas, viz., National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves have been created in the country covering important habitats to provide better protection to wildlife, including threatened species and their habitat.
- Financial assistance is provided to the State/Union Territory Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats’, for providing better protection to wildlife and improvement of habitat.
- The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for stringent punishment for violation of its provisions. The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence(s).
- The local communities are involved in conservation measures through eco-development activities which help the forest departments in protection of wildlife.
- The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) coordinates with State/UTs and other enforcement agencies to gather intelligence about poaching and unlawful trade in wild animals and animal articles.
News Source: PIB
