Part of: Prelims and GS – III – Environment
Context Indian biologist Shailendra Singh has been awarded the Behler Turtle Conservation Award for bringing three critically endangered turtle conservation species back from the brink of extinction.
| Red-crowned roofed turtle | Northern river terrapin | Black softshell turtle | |
| Distribution | It is native to India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Currently in India, the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is the only area with a substantial population of the species, but even this Protected Area and habitat are under threat. |
It is found in India and Bangladesh (Sundarbans), Myanmar, Malaysia (peninsular), Indonesia (Sumatra), Thailand, and Cambodia | They are found in ponds of temples in northeastern India and Bangladesh.
Its distribution range also includes the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. |
| Characteristics | It is a freshwater turtle species, and found in deep flowing rivers with terrestrial nesting sites.Diet of the species consists exclusively of water plants. | It lives in coastal mangrove estuaries and creeks, but ventures far upstream during the breeding season. | It is a freshwater turtle species. |
| Threats | Loss or degradation of habitat due to pollution and large scale development activities
Sand mining and growing of seasonal crops Drowning by illegal fishing nets. Poaching and illegal trade. |
Hunting and harvesting of eggs.
Pollution and loss of habitat Drowning by illegal fishing nets. Siltation and sedimentation due to watershed activities such as logging. |
Consumption of turtle meat and eggs,
Encroachment of wetlands Change in flooding pattern. |
| IUCN | Critically endangered | Critically endangered | Critically Endangered |
| CITES | Appendix II | Appendix I | Appendix I |
