Turtles of Ganga River Basin

Turtles are reptiles belonging to the order Testudines, characterized by a unique shell developed primarily from their ribs. There are 360 living and recently extinct species of turtles, found across all continents except Antarctica, inhabiting salt water, fresh water and land. Modern turtles are classified into two major groups: the Pleurodira (side necked turtles) and Cryptodira (hidden necked turtles), which differ in how they retract their heads. A turtle’s shell consists of two parts: the top, called thecarapace, and the bottom, known as theplastron. These bony structures join along each side of the body, forming a rigid skeletal box composed of bone and cartilage. Unlike some reptiles that shed their skin, the turtle’s skin is a permanent and integral part of its body, which it cannot exit or shed. Turtles have adapted to a wide variety of environments, with the highest diversity found in NorthAmerica and SouthAsia. In both regions, most species are aquatic, inhabiting water bodies such as small ponds,bogs, large lakes and rivers. South Asia, in particular, hosts a broad range of turtle species due to its diverse habitats, including deserts, rainforests, shallow tropical seas and frigid mountain forests. The Ganges River system alone is home to 13 species of turtles. These turtles play a vital ecological role in maintaining the health of the river by consuming dead organisms, controlling fish populations and feeding on weeds.

Aquatic Species / Turtles of Ganga