Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle: Recently, the return of the critically endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle to the Ganga after three decades marked a major milestone in ecological restoration under the Namami Gange Mission.

• About Red Crowned Roofed Turtle: One of the 24 species endemic to India, is characterized by bright colors such as red, yellow, white, and blue on the faces and necks of the males.

  o Common Names: Bengal roof turtle, Red-crowned roofed turtle.

  o Distribution: A freshwater turtle species found in deep-flowing rivers with terrestrial nesting sites. It also occurs in the Brahmaputra basin.

  o Habitat: Native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. 

  o IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

  o Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I – Absolute protection; hunting prohibited except under specific conditions.

  o CITES: Appendix II – International trade regulated to prevent threats to survival.