Indian Softshell, Red-Crowned Roofed & Indian Peacock Turtles

1. Indian Softshell Turtle

• Scientific name: Nilssonia gangetica
• Family: Trionychidae
• Type: Freshwater softshell turtle
• Distribution: Mainly found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system and associated freshwater habitats.
• Key feature: Has a soft, leathery shell rather than a hard, heavily scuted carapace.
• Habitat: Rivers, lakes, ponds and other freshwater bodies.
• Threats: Habitat degradation, pollution, hunting and illegal wildlife trade.
• Conservation: Listed under India’s wildlife protection framework.

 2. Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

• Scientific name: Batagur kachuga
• Family: Geoemydidae
• Type: Freshwater river turtle
• Distribution in India: Historically associated particularly with the Ganga river system.
• Distinctive feature: Adult males develop a striking red crown/head coloration, especially during the breeding season.
• Habitat: Large rivers and their sandbanks.
• Major threats:
  • Illegal collection
  • Egg harvesting
  • Riverine habitat degradation
  • Sand mining
  • Disturbance of nesting sites
• Conservation status: Critically Endangered (IUCN).

 3. Indian Peacock Softshell / Indian Peacock Turtle

• Scientific name: Nilssonia hurum
• Family: Trionychidae
• Type: Freshwater softshell turtle
• Distribution: Indian subcontinent, particularly freshwater systems of northern and peninsular India.
• Key identification: Characteristic peacock-like markings on the carapace give it its common name.
• Habitat: Rivers, lakes, ponds and other freshwater habitats.
• Threats: Habitat destruction, pollution, fishing-related mortality and illegal exploitation.

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following pairs:

1. Indian Softshell Turtle — Nilssonia gangetica
2. Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle — Batagur kachuga
3. Indian Peacock Softshell — Nilssonia hurum

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None

Answer: C

Explanation: All three pairs are correctly matched. Nilssonia gangetica and Nilssonia hurum are softshell turtles belonging to Trionychidae, while Batagur kachuga belongs to Geoemydidae.