About the Turtle

• It is a freshwater turtle and one of the rarest species in India. It is also called the Asian giant softshell turtle.
• Cantor’s giant softshell is found across Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. 
• The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, however, this assessment is long out-of-date and in urgent need of updating.
• It is listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act and designated on CITES Appendix II.
• Cantor’s giant softshell is under threat from harvesting by local people for meat, accidental killing and persecution from fishermen when caught in fishing gear, and the destruction of its freshwater and coastal habitats.

Why in the news?

• Ayushi Jain, a conservationist, is trying to conserve Cantor’s Giant Softshell turtles in Kerala along with people’s support.

References:

1. http://www.edgeofexistence.org/species/cantors-giant-softshell/
2. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/finding-the-rare-cantors-giant-softshell-turtle/article33673174.ece