Environment & Ecology
Context: In a step forward towards conservation, two Indian turtle species — the red-crowned roofed turtles (Batagur kachuga) and Leith’s soft-shell turtle (Nilssonia leithii) — have made it to the Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
- The decision was made at the ongoing 19th Conference of Parties (COP19) of CITES in Panama City.
- The species were moved from Appendix II to Appendix I which means the species is threatened with extinction.
- Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, according to CITES.
- Earlier in 2019 during the 18th CITES plenary meeting in Geneva, Indian star tortoises were added to the Appendix I.
About the Red crowned roofed turtle:
- Red-crowned roofed turtle is native to India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
- It is known to be widely found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra River basins.
- At present in India, the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is the only geographic area where the species is found in substantial numbers.
About Leith’s soft shell turtle:
- Leith’s soft-shell turtle inhabits rivers and reservoirs mainly in southern peninsular India, in states like Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
- Its presence is substantial in the Cauvery, Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Bhavani, Godavari and Moyar drainages.
Major Threats:
- Major threats for these turtles and other species are increasing loss of habitat due to pollution and unchecked urbanisation.
- Other reasons for habitat loss include water extraction and irrigation, leading to irregular flow of upstream dams and reservoirs.
- Sand mining and agriculture activities along the Ganga are significantly affecting the sandbars, which are safe nesting areas for the species.
- Drowning due to illegal fishing nets, poaching and illegal trade further threaten their existence.
Source: DownToEarth
Previous Year Questions
Q.1) With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon Frogmouth, Coppersmith Barbet, Gray Chinned Minivet and White-throated Redstart are (2020)
- Birds
- Primates
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
