Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle Returns to Ganga after 30 Years

• 30 Apr 2025

In April 2025, 20 critically endangered red-crowned roofed turtles were successfully reintroduced into the Ganga River in western Uttar Pradesh, marking the first such exercise for this species in India.

Key Points

• The Species: Known as Batagur kachuga, the turtle is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and is among Asia’s 50 most endangered freshwater turtles.
• Reintroduction Locations: Ten turtles were released upstream in Haiderpur Wetland and ten downstream in Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Monitoring Strategy: Each turtle was fitted with a sonic transmitter to monitor survival and movement patterns for research purposes.
• Collaborative Effort: The project was jointly carried out by Namami Gange, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, and the India Turtle Conservation Program.
• Urgent Conservation Need: The existing population in Chambal River is estimated at fewer than 300 individuals.
• Turtle Characteristics: Females can grow up to 56 cm and weigh 25 kg, while males are notably smaller.