Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga)

The red-crowned roofed turtle is facing severe survival threats due to shrinking habitat in its last stronghold. The situation highlights concerns over river ecosystem degradation and species extinction risk.

Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga):

Dimension	Key Details
Scientific Name	Batagur kachuga
Genus	Belongs to genus Batagur comprising three large freshwater turtle species in India
Endemism	Endemic to North India
Habitat	Occurs in large flowing rivers with deep pools riffles sandbanks and rocky outcrops
Distribution	Historically present in Ganga basin with marginal presence in Bangladesh and Nepal and no confirmed populations outside India
India Distribution	National Chambal Sanctuary at tri junction of Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh holds main population
Identification	Males develop red yellow white and blue markings during breeding season with reddish orange head and black crown
Sexual Dimorphism	Males are significantly smaller reaching about half the size of females
Shell Features	Carapace is greenish brown with yellow markings and keeled while plastron is yellow with black patterns
Nesting	Occurs in March with solitary or small aggregation nesting on sandy banks
Diet	Predominantly herbivorous feeding on aquatic vegetation
Ecological Role	Acts as bio indicator species reflecting river health and ecosystem integrity
Conservation Status	Listed as Critically Endangered in IUCN and included in CITES Appendix I and Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972
Threats	Includes hunting egg collection illegal trade habitat degradation sand mining fishing net entanglement and loss of nesting banks