It is the largest of Asian river turtles; it is also the most endangered species of all. This can grow up to 60 cms in length. Some places it is called Mangrove Terrapin as mangroves.
The river terrapin found in the rapid currents of Indian forests and the island of Sumatra. Small population can be found near the sandy roasts of eastern India and some of the nearby islands.
Peculiar features of this turtle include an upturned snout and four toes against five for other turtles.
They are basically Herbivores’ in nature.
Their incubation period is of 60 – 90 days.
Shell length is from 50 cm to 60 cm.
Their weight measures from 15 – 35 kgs.
The female river terrapin lays its egg in the month of January and February on sandy banks such as the banks of India's Batagur river, as with the sea turtles the river terrapin has specific places to lay it's egg and gather in many groups of hundred's.
Recent government measures in India place a limit on the number if the river terrapin eggs that can be gathered. A small fraction of these eggs is collected to be artificially incubated and reared in protective environments.
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