Rare Indian flap-shelled turtle rescued from busy Lalpeth-Bypass highway in Chandrapur

A rare Indian flap-shelled turtle was saved in Chandrapur thanks to the alertness of local residents. The turtle was found in the middle of the road on the busy Lalpeth-Bypass highway in the city. With the efforts of environment-conscious citizens and help from the Forest Department, the animal has been given a safe new lease of life.

While passing along the Lalpeth-Bypass highway, Shyam Chakradev noticed a live turtle sitting in the middle of the road. Traffic on the highway is constant, so the turtle's life was in grave danger. Realising how serious the situation was, Chakradev did not lose a moment and took the turtle into his safe custody.

He then immediately informed wildlife expert Ashwin Godbole. Godbole promptly contacted the Forest Department and narrated the whole incident.

On behalf of the Forest Department, employees Krishna Watekar and Mahesh Wadgure took the turtle into their care under the supervision of Dr Kundan Podchalwar, veterinary officer at the Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) on Mul Road.

The Forest Department team carried out an initial health check on the turtle. The examination found that the turtle, about 10 years old, is completely fit and healthy. The department will soon release it in a safe, natural habitat.

According to information provided by the Forest Department, the Indian flap-shelled turtle is a freshwater soft-shelled turtle. Its shell is flat, round and leathery. Notably, it has soft flaps of skin on the underside of its shell. When it senses danger, the turtle withdraws its legs and neck completely inside these flaps. The species is found mostly across India in rivers, ponds, marshy areas and waterlogged fields.

The residents' vigilance saved the life of a helpless animal, and they are being praised from all quarters.