The Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle, as its name suggests is a species of softshell turtle that is native to India.
This is one of the largest species of freshwater turtles in the world and is considered to be an endangered species.
They are sometimes referred to as the Small-Headed Softshell Turtle or the Indo-Gangetic Softshell Turtle.
Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle belongs to is called Trionychidae. The species in this family are commonly referred to as Softshell Turtles.
Some of the species in this family are among the largest freshwater turtles in the world and can be found in Africa, Asia, and North America.
While the species in this family are considered freshwater turtles, many of them can tolerate brackish areas with higher levels of salinity, such as the mouth of a river.
Genus
The genus that the Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle belongs to is called Chitra. This is a genus of Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtles.
There are currently 3 species in this genus with the other two being the Asian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle and the Burmese Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle.
Species
The scientific name for the Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle is Chitra indica and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 1831 by a British Zoologist named John Edward Gray.
This species was once considered a sub-species of Asian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle but has since been upgraded to full species status.
Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle Description
The most striking feature of the Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle is its elongated, tube-like snout that gives it its common name.
This snout helps them probe for prey in the water. Their carapace or upper shell is flat and elongated, with a narrow and pointed anterior (front end).
The carapace is covered with a leathery skin rather than a hard, bony shell. This adaptation allows them to move more easily in aquatic environments.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle has a specific geographical distribution within the Indian subcontinent.
Their range includes countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and possibly parts of Pakistan. Within this region, they inhabit various freshwater ecosystems.
They can be found in the Gangetic and Brahmaputra River basins, as well as other river systems and wetlands across India.
They can also be found in the Terai region of Nepal along the Southern border with India.
The Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle is typically found in slow-moving or stagnant freshwater environments.
Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle Behaviour
The Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle is well adapted to their aquatic lifestyle. Their streamlined bodies and webbed feet make them agile swimmers.
They spend much of their time submerged, only coming to the surface to breathe.
They are also known to bury themselves in the substrate, leaving only their heads exposed, to ambush unsuspecting prey.
The Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle is carnivorous and primarily feeds on aquatic invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, molluscs and small fish.
Their unique snout and hunting strategy make them efficient predators in their aquatic habitats.
The female Indian Narrow-Headed Softshell Turtle will come ashore to lay their eggs.
They typically dig a hole in sandy or muddy areas near the water’s edge and lay a clutch of eggs.
After laying the eggs, they cover the nest and return to the water. The eggs hatch after a few weeks, and the hatchlings make their way to the water.