<h1>Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska)</h1> <img src="https://sunyaias-resources.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/content/4c37e1b3-251e-11ec-aa69-77773c631ab0.png">﻿<h2>About:</h2> <ul><li>The&nbsp;northern river terrapin&nbsp;is a species of riverine&nbsp;turtle&nbsp;native to Southeast Asia.</li></ul> <ul><li>It is one of Asia's largest freshwater and brackwater turtles.</li></ul> <ul><li>It can reach up to 60 cm long and has a maximum weight of 18&nbsp;kg.</li></ul> <ul><li>Recognized by 4 claws in front feet whereas other turtles have 5.</li></ul> <ul><li>The head is rather small, with a pointed and upwards-tending snout.</li></ul> <h2>Status:</h2> <ul><li>The species is considered Critically Endangered by the International Union for conservation of nature (IUCN).</li></ul> <ul><li>Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, India.</li></ul> <ul><li>Included in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).</li></ul> <h2>Batagur turtles in India:</h2> Out of six, three are found in India.<ol><li>Batagur Kachuga (Red-crowned roofed turtle).</li><li>Batagur Dhongoka (Three-striped roofed turtle).</li><li>Batagur Baska (The Northern river terrapin).</li></ol> <h2>Threat:</h2><ul><li>Loss of nesting beaches.</li><li>Pollution.</li></ul> <h2>Conservation:</h2> <ul><li>A hatchery and captive breeding project were established in&nbsp;Vawal National Park in Bangladesh and another in&nbsp;Sajnekhali Forest Station in the Sunderban Tiger Reserve in India with support from Turtle Survival Alliance.</li></ul>