The Assam Roofed Turtle (Pangshura sylhetensis) is a species of small freshwater turtle that is native to the northeastern regions of India and certain parts of Bangladesh. They can predominantly be located in running waters situated in the hills of these areas. However, their existence is increasingly under threat due to several human activities such as logging and incidental capture. Furthermore, these turtles have been assigned the status of ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are also included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), underlining the urgent need for their protection.
Habitat and Distribution
The Assam Roofed Turtle dwells primarily in the freshwater habitats of northeastern India and the northeastern and southeastern regions of Bangladesh. Rivers, streams and other running waters on hills constitute their primary habitat. The Western Ghats, particularly its high-altitude rainforests, are home to a significant population of these turtles. The species’ habitat is being rapidly destroyed due to the extensive logging of primary forests in these regions, leading to their declining numbers.
Threats to Survival
The Assam Roofed Turtle faces several threats that are contributing to its dwindling population. One of the primary threats is the excessive logging of primary forests, which results in the siltation of their habitat. Siltation negatively affects the turtle’s reproduction, food availability, and overall survival. Subsequently, the species is also captured for food and the pet trade.
Another major threat to their existence is incidental capture in fishing gears. Turtles are often caught and killed accidentally along with fish in various types of nets or traps. This accidental but widespread killing of turtles in fishing gears adds significantly to their decreasing population.
Protection Measures
The Assam Roofed Turtle is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Furthermore, it has been included in Appendix II of CITES, which lists species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may become so unless trade is closely controlled.
In India, these turtles are accorded protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This means that capturing, poaching, or trading of these animals is a criminal offense. Despite these legal provisions, enforcement remains a big challenge, often due to lack of awareness about its protection status and ecological importance.
Quick Facts
| Species Name | Habitat | IUCN Status | CITES Status | Protection Status in India |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pangshura sylhetensis (Assam Roofed Turtle) | Running waters in hills of Northeastern India and Bangladesh | Endangered | Appendix II | Protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
Source Information
The information provided in this article is derived from “The Hindu” (TH), a respected daily newspaper in India.
