Source: TOI
Context: Recently, two individuals were arrested in Noida for smuggling live Indian flapshell turtles. These turtles, protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, are considered government property, making their trade illegal.
About Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata):
- Habitat: Freshwater species found in rivers, ponds, lakes, and canals, preferring areas with muddy or sandy bottoms.
- Distinguishing feature: Named “flapshell” due to the flaps of skin on their plastron that cover their limbs when retracted.
- Distribution: Found across South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
- Lifestyle: Omnivorous and typically solitary, they are well adapted to drought conditions.
- Conservation status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
- CITES: Appendix I.
- Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I, making their trade, hunting, and transportation illegal.
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