Reptiles
Northern River Terrapin
Batagur baska · also called common batagur
On a sandbank in a tidal creek of the Sundarbans, a female northern river terrapin hauls herself out of the water to dig a nest, a giant among Asian freshwater turtles.
Overview
The northern river terrapin, Batagur baska, is a Critically Endangered freshwater turtle of estuaries and tidal rivers in eastern India and Bangladesh. Its size, plant-eating habit, and near-disappearance from most of its range make it one of Asia’s most threatened turtles.
A giant of the tidal rivers
By nesting on riverbank sandbanks, the terrapin exposes its eggs to collectors and predators, and conservation programmes now guard nests and hatch young in protected sites.
Status
Critically Endangered, with a declining population.
Northern River Terrapin: common questions
How big is the northern river terrapin?
It is one of the largest freshwater turtles in Asia, with a shell that can reach around 60 cm in length.
Why is it Critically Endangered?
It was hunted for its meat and eggs for centuries, and its estuary habitat has been dammed, fished, and cleared.
What does the northern river terrapin eat?
It feeds mainly on fruit, leaves, aquatic plants, and mangrove vegetation, which is unusual among freshwater turtles.
Where does the northern river terrapin live?
It lives in estuaries and tidal rivers in eastern India and Bangladesh, with possible remnants elsewhere in Southeast Asia.