Why in News
News reports claims that Chennai the top in tortoise trafficking.
Indian flapshell turtles
It’s a freshwater species , small soft-shell with a carapace length of up to 350 millimetres.
The “flap-shelled” name stems from the presence of femoral flaps.
Femoral flaps are seen in the plastron, to cover the limbs during retract into the shell.
“Asian turtle crisis” is a term often used to describe the current state of tortoises and freshwater turtles (TFTs).
Reasons for smuggling and killing
Their aphrodisiac properties
They are used as livestock feed
Leather is made from their skins
Potions are made from their blood
Turtles are also used as fishing bait
They are also used for meat and medicines.
Used as pets.
Status
WPA1972 – Schedule I , Part II
IUCN - Vulnerable
CITES - Appendix II
Geographical Distribution - India, Bangladesh, Myanmar; Nepal and Pakistan
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