Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle Did you see this animal?
Scientific Name : Chitra indica
Family : Trionychidae
Order : Testudines
Class : Reptilia
Phylum : Chordata
Other Name : Indian Narrow- headed Softshell Turtle
Habitat : Large and medium rivers.
Description : The Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle has a distinctive narrow head and a flat, pancake-like body that is covered by a soft, leathery shell. They have a long, pointed snout and a long neck that allows them to reach their prey easily. Their skin is brown or grey, and they have a pattern of spots or blotches on their shell.
The Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, with some individuals growing up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length and weighing over 80 kilograms (175 pounds).
They are highly adapted for a fully aquatic lifestyle, with flattened bodies that allow them to swim efficiently and powerful, webbed feet that help them move through the water.
During the breeding season, females come ashore to lay their eggs in sandy or gravelly areas near the water's edge. They can lay up to 30 eggs at a time.
Unlike other turtle species, the Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle does not retract its head and limbs into its shell for protection. Instead, it relies on its speed and agility to escape predators.
The Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and it is protected by law in many of the countries where it is found.
Conservation efforts for the species include habitat restoration, breeding programs in captivity, and public education campaigns to reduce demand for turtle meat and products.
The Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, with some individuals growing up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length and weighing over 80 kilograms (175 pounds).
They are highly adapted for a fully aquatic lifestyle, with flattened bodies that allow them to swim efficiently and powerful, webbed feet that help them move through the water.
During the breeding season, females come ashore to lay their eggs in sandy or gravelly areas near the water's edge. They can lay up to 30 eggs at a time.
Unlike other turtle species, the Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle does not retract its head and limbs into its shell for protection. Instead, it relies on its speed and agility to escape predators.
The Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and it is protected by law in many of the countries where it is found.
Conservation efforts for the species include habitat restoration, breeding programs in captivity, and public education campaigns to reduce demand for turtle meat and products.
Distribution in Bangladesh
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Species groups
References:
description written by: Durjoy Raha Antu,Department of Zoology, Jagannath University,Dhaka; information source:Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh, Vol. 25. Amphibians and Reptiles. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka; photo credit:Krishna Kumar Mishra(www.inaturalist.org/people/Krishna Kumar Mishra), photo copyright: iNaturalist. more information please contact with us.
description written by: Durjoy Raha Antu,Department of Zoology, Jagannath University,Dhaka; information source:Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh, Vol. 25. Amphibians and Reptiles. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka; photo credit:Krishna Kumar Mishra(www.inaturalist.org/people/Krishna Kumar Mishra), photo copyright: iNaturalist. more information please contact with us.