Despite the abundance and diversity of river turtles, we sometimes lose sigh of or ignore the existence of these tiny toddlers. Most of us forget their major role in maintaining the ecological balance and their economic importance.

The fresh water turtles are termed as “Vultures in water” because these turtles mainly feeds on the dead animals and fishes in the pond or river to maintain the water clean. Especially the Ganges soft shell and Indian flapshell feed upon the animal carcasses and half-burnt human corpses in River Ganges, where most of the corpses were thrown off…

These turtles are broadly grouped as “hard shells” or “soft shells“. The soft-shell turtles possess elongated snout extended up to a fleshy tube-like proboscis, which consists of nostrils at its tip.

Hard shelled turtles are having a retractile neck and horny shell. The Indian Black turtle is the most commonest hardshell turtle. These turtles are widespread in India. Another hardshell turtle called- Indian Roofted turtle ( It is called so because it is having elevated tent-like carapace) is found in Indus, Brahmaputra and Ganges river system.

As these turtles are having economic importance, these are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972). Despite the stringent rules they’re facing challenges due to over exploitation and deforestation. If you are keen on wildlife conservation, immediately protect the turtles in the river and also ponds…