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red-crowned roofed turtle
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Red-crowned roofed turtle
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red-crowned roofed turtle

reptile
Also known as: Batagur kachuga
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Red-crowned roofed turtle
Red-crowned roofed turtle This species is sexually dimorphic, and the males can be identified by the brightly colored markings on their head and neck.

The red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga) is a freshwater reptile found in the Ganges basin of India. It is named for its domed, roof-shaped shell when young. Females are larger than males, with carapaces up to 56 cm (22 inches) long, while males reach up to 29 cm (11.4 inches). During the breeding season, males develop vibrant blue, red, and yellow coloring on their heads and necks.1

These turtles inhabit large, swift-flowing rivers with sandy bottoms. They are sometimes harvested for their meat. Threats to their survival include entanglement in fishing nets, pollution, and alterations to river flow and nesting beaches caused by hydrological projects.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. 10 Critically Endangered Animals of India
  2. turtle - Habitats

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