Nilssonia leithii (Leith’s Softshell Turtle)

Nilssonia leithii, commonly known as Leith’s Softshell Turtle, is a freshwater species native to India. This large softshell turtle is primarily found in rivers and reservoirs, though its population has declined due to habitat destruction and exploitation.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Trionychidae
Genus: Nilssonia
Species: Nilssonia leithii

Common Names

Leith’s Softshell Turtle

Identification

Description

Leith’s Softshell Turtle has a large, flat, and leathery shell, lacking the hard scutes seen in many other turtle species. The shell is olive-green to brown with a smooth texture. It has a long, tubular snout, which helps it breathe while submerged. Its limbs are strong and well-adapted for swimming, with fully webbed feet.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are generally larger than males, with broader shells and more robust bodies. Males have longer tails and more elongated cloacal openings.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

This species is endemic to India, primarily found in the southern and central parts of the country. It inhabits river systems like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, though its distribution has become more fragmented.

Preferred Habitat

Leith’s Softshell Turtle prefers large rivers, reservoirs, and slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. It often buries itself in the substrate to stay camouflaged and ambush prey.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

This species is carnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects. It is an ambush predator, relying on quick strikes to capture prey.

Predators

Adult turtles have few natural predators, but eggs and hatchlings are vulnerable to predation by birds, mammals, and large fish. Humans are the biggest threat due to hunting and habitat destruction.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding occurs during the warmer months, typically between February and April.

Reproductive Method

Females lay eggs in sandy riverbanks, digging nests to deposit their clutches. The incubation period varies depending on temperature, but hatchlings emerge during the monsoon season.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Leith’s Softshell Turtle is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Threats

Its population is declining due to habitat destruction, pollution, and river modifications like dam construction. Illegal poaching for meat and the pet trade further threatens the species.

Conservation Measures

India has legal protections for this species under the Wildlife Protection Act. Conservation efforts include habitat preservation, captive breeding programs, and community awareness initiatives.

Economic Importance

This species has been exploited for its meat and shell, although hunting is now restricted. In some regions, it plays a role in local ecosystems by controlling fish and invertebrate populations.

Interesting Facts

Leith’s Softshell Turtle can stay submerged for long periods by absorbing oxygen through its skin. Unlike hard-shelled turtles, it relies on speed and agility in the water rather than defense. It can bury itself in the sand with only its eyes and snout exposed, making it an effective ambush predator.