Turtle rescued from the roadside is released into a wetland – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

MORANG, OCTOBER 28

A turtle that was rescued from the roadside in Urlabari Municipality-3, Mangalbare has been released in a safe location. Conservationist and science writer Gobinda Prasad Pokharel found the turtle by the roadside and released it in the Beteni Wetland managed by the Beteni Community Forest User Group area in Urlabari ward number 2.

The turtle is an Indian Flapshell Turtle (also called ‘Putali Kachhuwa’ in Nepali) that was found on the day of Lakshmi Puja close to a house near the road – was released in the wetland area.

According to Pokharel, this turtle has the same natural status as a one horned rhino. Both species are listed by IUCN as ‘Vulnerable’ species. He reports that this turtle species has declined by about 30 % over the past 45 years.

Encroachment and destruction of wetland areas, consumption at the local level for food are reasons for the declining the numbers of this species.

This species of turtle is found in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. It can be found in wetlands, ponds, river banks, swamps, irrigation systems in urban areas and in agricultural fields.

Pokharel says that reproduction of the species begins at the end of the summer and with the onset of the monsoon. A female lays 2 to 15 number eggs. Experts say that the turtle reaches its maturity at about 4 to 5 years.

According to the IUCN there is no exact correlation recorded for the maximum lifespan of this species, but it is estimated that one generation may last about 15 years. Nepal is home to 18 types of turtles across three families. Pokharel also says that because this species eats both plants and animals, it is considered omnivorous.