India garners international support to save two endangered freshwater turtles

Subject :Environment

Conference of the parties (CoP19) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recently concluded at Panama City.
The 19th Conference of the Parties to CITES is being asked to consider stricter trade regulations for nearly six hundred species of animals and plants believed to be under increased threat of extinction from international trade.
India’s proposal to regulate trade in Leith’s softshell turtle (Nilssonialeithi) by shifting its listing to the highest category(from Appendix II to Appendix I) – threatened with extinction and necessitating regulation of trade – was accepted.
The country’s proposal for induction of freshwater red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagurkachuga), too “earned wide support” of the participating countries, and was “widely appreciated and well accepted” when introduced, the ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC)

Leith’s Soft-shelled Turtle

Leith’s Softshell Turtle (Nilssonialeithii) is a large freshwater soft-shelled turtle which is endemic to peninsular India and it inhabits rivers and reservoirs.

Protection Status:

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Critically Endangered
Wildlife Protection Act (WPA): Schedule IV
CITES: Appendix I

Red Crowned Roofed Turtle

Red Crowned Roofed Turtle(Batagurkachuga) is one of the 24 species endemic to India, is characterised by the bright colours such as red, yellow, white and blue on the faces and necks of the males.
It is a freshwater turtle species native to India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Historically, the species was widespread in the Ganga River, both in India and Bangladesh. It also occurs in the Brahmaputra basin.
Currently in India, the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is the only area with a substantial population of the species, but even this Protected Area and habitat are under threat.

Conservation Status:

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Critically Endangered
Wildlife Protection Act (WPA): Schedule I
CITES : Appendix II.

About CITES

CITES is an international agreement between governments — 184 at present — to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
The convention entered into force in 1975 and India became the 25th party — a state that voluntarily agrees to be bound by the Convention — in 1976.
States that have agreed to be bound by the Convention (‘joined’ CITES) are known as Parties.
Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words they have to implement the Convention – it does not take the place of national laws.
All import, export and re-export of species covered under CITES must be authorised through a permit system.
Every two to three years, the Conference of the Parties meets to review the implementation of the Convention.
The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices as per the degree of protection they need:
Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction.
Appendix II includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction but (where trade must be controlled).
Appendix III contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES parties for assistance in controlling the trade.