Rare Albino Indian Flapshell Turtle Spotted in Gujarat | Vulnerable Species

For Prelims:

  • Shallow stagnant waters
  • rivers, streams
  • marshes
  • ponds
  • lakes
  • irrigation canals
  • sand bottom
  • mud bottom
  • burrowing
  • femoral flaps
  • oval soft shell
  • evolutionary link
  • hard shell turtles

For Mains:

  • 370 mm length
  • 20 years lifespan
  • omnivorous
  • solitary
  • diurnal
  • drought survival 120–160 days
  • IUCN Vulnerable
  • CITES Appendix I
  • Wildlife Protection Act Schedule I
  • albinism
  • melanin deficiency
  • genetic mutation
  • recessive trait

A rare albino Indian flapshell turtle with bright yellow shell was spotted in Gujarat. Lissemys punctata, a vulnerable freshwater species found in South Asia, faces conservation challenges due to habitat and genetic rarity.

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Context

  • Recently, a rare albino Indian flapshell turtle, distinguished by its bright yellow shell and skin, was spotted in a freshwater lake at Chikodra village, Gujarat.

About

Scientific Name: Lissemys punctata

  • Type: Freshwater turtle, common in tropical South Asia.
  • Distribution: Found in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Habitat

  • Prefers shallow, quiet, often stagnant waters such as rivers, streams, marshes, ponds, lakes, irrigation canals, and tanks.
  • Favors sand or mud-bottom waters due to burrowing habits.

Key Features

 Possesses femoral flaps extending from the shell to cover limbs when withdrawn.

  • Oval soft shell shows evolutionary link to hardshell turtles.
  • Size: Can grow up to 370 mm in length.
  • Lifespan: Around 20 years.
  • Diet: Omnivorous.
  • Behaviour: Generally solitary, active during the day.
  • Adaptability: Can survive extreme droughts for 120–160 days.
  • Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
    • Albinism: A rare genetic condition affecting melanin production, influencing pigmentation in skin, hair, and eyes across species.Caused by a mutation inherited from both parents (recessive trait)

Prelims:

Q. UPSC Prelims 2020
Consider the following pairs:
  1. Olive Ridley Turtle — Gahirmatha Beach
  2. Leatherback Turtle — Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  3. Hawksbill Turtle — Gulf of Mannar
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans:



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