PAWS-Mumbai Press Kit Update: Indian Flapshell Turtle and Red Eared Slider Turtle rescued at Bhandup

Monday, 11 August 2014

Indian Flapshell Turtle and Red Eared Slider Turtle rescued at Bhandup

Nisha Kunju with rescued
Indian Flapshell Turtle

Mumbai | BHANDUP : At Night 12 AM, Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) Helpline received a call from Mr. Baldev Manek saying a big black turtle is came in front of their bungalow gate at Mini land. Following to the information we have send our Rescue Team to the spot and who had rescued the turtle, it was Indian Flapshell Turtle and later it was released into its natural habitat.

It is 3rd turtle which we have found in this 2 week of monsoon, among them 2 were Indian Flapshell Turtle and a Red Eared Slider Turtle said Nisha Kunju, Administrator of PAWS-Mumbai.

Sunish Subramanian with
Red Eared Slider Turtle

She further added Red Eared Slider Turtle is not Indian species. It was found by Mr. Rupesh Thopate, a resident of Bhandup East. Later he inform PAWS-Mumbai. When we taken the custody, the shell of the turtle was totally dry, both the eyes having infection and injures on its body, so it was under care for a month, now it is fit and it can live independently. So we have released it in an artificial pound where there is no native species of turtle is found.

Turtle died due to vehicle hit
on Eastern Express Highway

Recently PAWS-Mumbai office received a call at early morning from person stating that he have spotted a Turtle on the divider on Eastern Express Highway near Mulund Airoli Junction. When we reached the spot it was already died as it was hit by a vehicle. So we request to the citizen as its monsoon, while passing through the roads around the green cover area should slow their speed limit as reptiles, snakes, turtles or other living creature may be crossing the road. Areas like Eastern Express Highway, Aarey Colony Road, Film City Road, Palm Beach Road in Navi Mumbai and Road passing through Karnala Bird Sanctuary Panvel, Etc.

Indian Flapshell Turtle

The Indian Flapshell Turtle which is found in fresh water body like often stagnant waters of rivers, wells, streams, ponds, lakes, irrigation canals and tanks. Because of heavy rain the water get over flooded due to which the turtles or other living creature flowed out, which some time found in drainage, water collected area, on roads and gardens etc. In some part of India it is locally threatened species as it is in high demand for meat, Feng Shui and even used for black magic. The shell of this species is believed to be of medicinal value in both China and India. It is protected species under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and it is endangered species, so PAWS-Mumbai appeal to the citizen not to keep if you found or come across such species illegally sold, it should be immediately report to Forest Department or Animal Welfare Organisation said Sunish Subramanian Kunju, Hony. Animal Welfare Officer and Founder of PAWS-Mumbai.

Red Eared Slider Turtle

The Red Eared Slider Turtle which is also known as Red-Eared Terrapin. It is native species of the southern United States and northern Mexico, with its range covering diverse habitats. In all over India it is illegally sold in pet shops and which is easily seen in homes which is kept as pet. People bring this turtle when it is very small and keep it in fish tanks, later when it become larger in size, we seen during rainy season people abandon them in water login area said Subramanian.

If you witness a threat to any wildlife in your vicinity, do report it to PAWS-Mumbai Team on Helpline 9833480388 / 25968314.

Informer Speak :

"We were shock to see a big black turtle at night in front of our gate. We inform PAWS-Mumbai Team, their volunteers came immediately to rescue it".

- Baldev Manek resident of Bhandup - West

"When I found the turtle it was in very bad stage and eyes were infected, due to which it can't possible to eat by itself. So I inform about it to PAWS-Mumbai Helpline, volunteer have came and taken the custody. Now I am very happy to see the turtle got new life and it is been released in safe place".

- Rupesh Thopate resident of Bhandup - East

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