ForumIAS LATEST
- Ethics Redbook 3rd Edition: A Textbook That Teaches You How to Think Ethically Click Here to Read More →
- 21 Sept. | Forum Residential Coaching (FRC) for UPSC preparation Click Here to know more →
- 21 Sept. | GS Advance Program (GSAP) for UPSC 2027 Mains starts from 10th Oct. Click Here to Read More →
News: The Himalayan Tricarinate Hill Turtle was recently discovered in Chhattisgarh’s Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, indicating improving ecological conditions and intact forest habitats.
About Himalayan Tricarinate Hill Turtle
- The tricarinate hill turtle or three-keeled land turtle (Melanochelys tricarinata) is a small terrestrial turtle species belonging to the family Geoemydidae.
- Habitat: The turtle mainly inhabits temperate forests, riverine grasslands, foothills of the Himalayas, moist deciduous forests, and wet evergreen forests with perennial water sources.
- Distribution: The species is found across the narrow sub-Himalayan belt covering northeastern India, southern Nepal, southern Bhutan, and northern Bangladesh.
- Characteristics:
- Body Features: The species has a highly domed carapace, a small olive-to-dark coloured head with a narrow snout, and robust scaly limbs adapted for terrestrial movement.
- Appearance: The turtle derives its name from the three distinct keels present on its shell.
- Behaviour: It is a shy, secretive, and primarily terrestrial species that is rarely spotted even within its normal habitat range.
- Size: It is a small to medium-sized turtle with a carapace length reaching up to 174 mm.
- Reproduction: The species lays eggs at a time during winter months, and the incubation period ranges from 60 to 72 days.
- Omnivorous. Their diet consists of earthworms, insects, mushrooms, and various plant materials.
- Major Threats: The turtle depends heavily on dense forests, intact microhabitats, and minimal human disturbance, making habitat disturbance a serious concern for its survival.
- Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
