A disquieting incident has emerged recently from the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam, where three mahouts have been taken into custody. The reason for their arrest is the unlawful capture and consumption of Spotted Pond Turtles, a rare species of freshwater turtle. This event has sparked suspicions about the illicit consumption of safeguarded species by park staff, thus inciting inquiries and detentions.
Introduction to the Spotted Pond Turtles
The spotted pond turtles (Geoclemys hamiltonii) are distinguished by yellow or white spots on their black head, legs, and tails. Possessing large heads, short snouts, and webbed feet that aid in swimming, they are also known as Black Pond Turtle, Black Spotted Turtle, Hamilton’s Terrapin. These cold-blooded reptiles bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. Their survival depends heavily on warm water and adequate basking areas. When frightened or stressed, they retreat into their shells while emitting a soft croaking sound.
Habitat and Food Requirements
These endangered creatures make home in large, deep rivers across India, Assam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In India, they are found primarily in the north, northeast, and some parts of central India. As primarily carnivores, their diet includes a variety of aquatic invertebrates.
Sleep Habits and Conservation Status
Being crepuscular creatures, Spotted Pond Turtles are most active during twilight, that is, dusk and dawn. Their conservation status, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is endangered, and they are listed under Appendix I by CITES.
The Significance of Kaziranga National Park
Located in Assam, the Kaziranga National Park spans across 42,996 hectares, making it the largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. This park became a national park in 1974, a tiger reserve in 2007, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Kaziranga is also acclaimed for being an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
Key Fauna at Kaziranga National Park
The park is renowned for housing the world’s most one-horned rhinos, with Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary recording the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally. The primary concentration of conservation efforts in Kaziranga is on the ‘big four’ species— Rhino, Elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, and Asiatic water buffalo. However, Kaziranga also provides shelter to 9 out of the 14 species of primates found in the Indian subcontinent.
Geographical Aspects and Other National Parks in Assam
The National Highway 37 traverses the park, contributing to its accessibility. Additionally, Kaziranga is blessed with over 250 seasonal water bodies, along with the Diphlu River flowing through it. Other significant national parks in Assam include Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park, and Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park.
Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
A past question from the 2013 UPSC Civil Services Examination quizzed candidates on their knowledge about national parks and the rivers flowing through them. Another question tested their awareness of endangered fauna of India, featuring species like Gharial, Leatherback turtle, and Swamp deer.