A Review on Diversity of Gangetic Turtle in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.v6i1.18.2583-2093Keywords:
Gangetic turtles, biodiversity, freshwater turtles, conservation, river ecology, turtle diversity, India, aquatic ecosystemsAbstract
India possesses one of the richest freshwater turtle diversities in the world, particularly within the Gangetic river system. The Gangetic basin supports numerous turtle species belonging to different ecological groups and families. These turtles contribute significantly to aquatic ecosystem stability by maintaining food chain balance, scavenging organic waste, regulating prey populations, and participating in nutrient cycling. However, increasing anthropogenic activities, including habitat degradation, river pollution, illegal hunting, overexploitation, sand mining, hydrological alterations, and climate change, have resulted in severe declines in turtle populations across India. The present review aims to summarize current knowledge regarding diversity, distribution, ecological significance, conservation status, and major threats affecting Gangetic turtles in India. The review also highlights the importance of habitat protection, community participation, legal measures, and modern technologies for effective conservation planning. Several species including the Indian Softshell Turtle, Indian Roofed Turtle, Three-striped Roofed Turtle, Ganges Softshell Turtle, and Red-crowned Roofed Turtle are distributed within the Gangetic river system. Many of these species are currently facing conservation concerns due to increasing human pressure. Understanding species diversity and ecological dynamics is essential for sustainable conservation strategies. Future conservation programs integrating ecological monitoring, molecular techniques, and public awareness may contribute significantly toward preserving Gangetic turtle biodiversity.
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