Turtles, Tortoises & Terrapins: Meet India’s Chelonians

Everyone knows about India’s tigers...but there are other “T” species on the subcontinent you’re sure to find fascinating when you discover them with naturalist guide Arpita Dutta, a dedicated turtle conservationist. Find out the difference between turtles, tortoises and terrapins—all are hard-shelled reptiles known as Chelonians—and there are 29 keystone species among their ranks in India. Learn about their behaviors and varied habitats (both marine and freshwater), their critical role in ecosystems, and why, like most Chelonians worldwide, they are threatened. We tend to pay the most attention to flashy big species—“charismatic megafauna” like tigers, leopards and elephants—but these smaller creatures are equally important to the whole when it comes to ecosystem health. Arpita has been involved with turtle conservation and habitat protection for almost a decade and currently works with Turtle Survival Alliance in India, seeking to protect critically endangered chelonian species. If you’re on an Indian safari with Arpita, you won’t miss a turtle sighting...and you’ll appreciate why they are so important to observe and enjoy!


Originally presented September 13, 2021

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