Why in News?
Forest officials recently recorded the rare Himalayan Tricarinate Hill Turtle in the forests of the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. The sighting is considered unusual because the species is generally associated with the Himalayan foothills rather than central India.
About Himalayan Tricarinate Hill Turtle
The Himalayan Tricarinate Hill Turtle is a small terrestrial turtle belonging to the Geoemydidae family.
Scientific Name
Melanochelys tricarinata
The species gets its name from the three prominent keels (raised ridges) present on its shell, giving it a unique appearance.
Habitat and Distribution
The species is distributed across the narrow sub-Himalayan belt including:
- Northeastern India
- Southern Nepal
- Southern Bhutan
- Northern Bangladesh
It is mainly found in:
- Temperate forests
- Himalayan foothills
- Grasslands and forested regions
The recent sighting in Chhattisgarh is significant because it lies outside the turtle’s commonly known distribution range.
Features of the Turtle
Key Characteristics
- Highly domed carapace (shell)
- Three longitudinal keels on the shell
- Olive to dark-coloured head
- Narrow snout
- Strong scaly limbs adapted for terrestrial movement
Unlike many freshwater turtles, it spends much of its life on land.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List
Endangered
Major Threats
- Habitat destruction
- Forest degradation
- Illegal wildlife trade
- Road mortality
- Climate change
The species faces increasing pressure due to shrinking forest habitats and human interference.
Importance of the Sighting
The discovery in central India is ecologically important because:
- It may indicate a wider distribution range than previously recorded.
- It highlights the biodiversity richness of central Indian forests.
- It stresses the need for improved wildlife monitoring and habitat conservation.
The sighting also underlines the importance of tiger reserves as habitats not only for large mammals but also for lesser-known reptiles and amphibians.
About Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve
The reserve is located in Chhattisgarh and is known for rich biodiversity and dense forest ecosystems.
Key Features
- Part of the Central Indian landscape
- Known for endangered wild buffalo conservation
- Contains tropical moist and dry deciduous forests
- Supports diverse flora and fauna
Conclusion
The Himalayan Tricarinate Hill Turtle is a rare and endangered reptile species of the Himalayan region. Its unusual sighting in the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve highlights the ecological significance of India’s protected areas and the urgent need for habitat conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and protection of endangered species.