№ 41 of 100
Northern River Terrapin
Batagur baska
Asia's great estuary turtle was eaten to the edge of extinction; breeding centres in the Sundarbans are rebuilding it egg by egg.
- Range
- BangladeshIndia
- Region
- Asia
- Habitat
- Tidal rivers and mangrove channels of the Sundarbans delta
The story
Once harvested by the boatload for feasts in colonial Bengal, the northern river terrapin all but vanished from the wild. Conservation hatcheries in Bangladesh and India now hold breeding colonies, and satellite-tagged females released into the Sundarbans are mapping the rivers the species will need to reclaim.
What's killing them
- Centuries of egg harvesting
- Fishing bycatch
- Sand mining of nesting beaches
- Sea-level rise
Who's fighting for them
Logos are the property of their respective organisations and link to their official sites.
Quick answers
How many Northern River Terrapins are left in the world?
Approximately A few hundred, mostly head-started. The Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is recovering. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Northern River Terrapin live?
The Northern River Terrapin is found in Bangladesh, India (Asia). Their habitat: Tidal rivers and mangrove channels of the Sundarbans delta.
Why is the Northern River Terrapin endangered?
The main threats to the Northern River Terrapin are: Centuries of egg harvesting; Fishing bycatch; Sand mining of nesting beaches; Sea-level rise.
Who is working to save the Northern River Terrapin?
Organisations working on Northern River Terrapin conservation include Turtle Survival Alliance; Wildlife Conservation Society.