Rare Softshell Turtle Sighting at High Altitude in Bageshwar Prompts Forest Survey
Softshell turtle sighted at 2,950 ft in Bageshwar, prompts forest dept survey
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
A rare softshell turtle was spotted at approximately 2,950 feet in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, India, prompting the state forest department to consider a survey. This unusual sighting raises concerns about the impact of climate change on wildlife distribution.
- 01A softshell turtle was found at an altitude of about 2,950 feet in Bageshwar district, which is unusual for the species.
- 02The sighting may indicate the effects of climate change on wildlife habitats.
- 03The turtle was rescued by local forest officials and released after a medical examination.
- 04The softshell turtle is protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in India.
- 05The forest department plans to conduct a survey to check for more turtles in the area.
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In a rare occurrence, a softshell turtle was sighted at an altitude of approximately 2,950 feet (about 900 meters) in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, India. This species is typically found at lower altitudes, primarily in the Ganges basin, making this sighting unusual. Local resident Mohan Chandra Joshi discovered the turtle in a seasonal stream and alerted the forest department. Shamsher Singh, a forester, and his team rescued the turtle, which was then medically examined before being released back into its habitat. The softshell turtle is protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, indicating its conservation importance. The forest department is now considering a survey to assess the presence of more turtles in the area, potentially linking their sighting to changing climatic conditions affecting wildlife distribution.
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The sighting may indicate a shift in wildlife habitats due to climate change, which could affect local ecosystems and conservation efforts.
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