Learn bits
Ecology & Environment
Mahesh

17/11/22 22:19 PM IST

India’s freshwater turtle in danger of extinction

In News 
  • India has put forward a proposal to better protect a species of freshwater reptile called the red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
  • The turtle, native to India and Bangladesh, is at a high risk of extinction.
Red-Crowned roofed Turtle 
  • The turtle species is already classified as critically endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
  • Its survival is threatened because of habitat loss caused by pollution and hydrological projects in Gangal lowlands of northern India and Bangladesh.
  • It is also facing threats from illegal consumption and illegal international trade.
  • Historically, this species was found in central Nepal northeastern India, Bangladesh and in Burma. However, the population in these regions dwindled as these turtles were harvested for meat and shells. They also died because of drowning in fishing nets, water pollution and other challenges.
  • Currently, India is implementing a captive breeding program for this species and has initiated conservation efforts as well.
About CITES
  • The 19th Conference of the Parties to CITES is being held from November 14 to 25 in 2022 in Panama – a country in central America.
  • The CITES is an agreement that regulates the movement of certain wild animal and plant species across the international border.
  • It has three appendices:
  1. The first appendix is for species that are critically threatened and are on the brink of extinction.
  2. The second one is for species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction but requires interventions to prevent trade and threats that challenge their survival.
  3. The third appendix is used when a specific country requires trade regulation for a specific species.
Source- DTE 

More Related Current Affairs View All

04 Aug

Maharashtra’s new security Bill

'The Maharashtra Legislature passed the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill or a ‘Bill to provide for effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of Left Wing Ex

Read More

04 Aug

New Project to curb rhino poaching through radioactive isotope injections

'Recently, South African scientists injected radioactive material into live rhinoceros horns to make them easier to detect at border posts in a pioneering project aimed at curbing

Read More

04 Aug

National Sports Governance Bill

'Recently, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports introduced the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. ' The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 draws from

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps