Gangetic turtles (Operation “Kachchhap”)

Gangetic turtle

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended 6 persons with 955 live baby Gangetic turtles of different species at Nagpur, Bhopal and Chennai on 30th September. The syndicate was involved in illegal trafficking and trading of ‘’Turtles of Ganges’ [Indian Tent Turtle, Indian Flapshell Turtle, Crown River Turtle, Black spotted/Pond Turtle and Brown Roofed Turtle]’, some of which are specified as “vulnerable/ near threatened” species under IUCN Red List and “Schedule I and II” of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Illegal trade, over exploitation for meat and habitat degradation are major threats to the survival of these species.