Softshell Turtle
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29 2013:
PFA Thoubal rescued a baby Indian Softshell Turtle from Sagolband Tera yesterday.
The baby turtle was found by one Akoijam David Meitei of Sagolband Tera Yengkhom Leirak along a drainage canal close to his house.
He immediately informed the PFA about his finding after shielding it from a person who came to search for it.
The turtle is also known as Ganges softshell turtle as it is found in Ganga and some other rivers of India.
Adult can measure up to 3 ft in length.
The four eye-like mark on its shell which is helpful in frightening enemies disappears as it attains adulthood.
This baby might have been hatched this June after 9 months of incubation according to their usual cycle.
This fast swimmer species feed on dead and decaying animals and plants and keep the water clean.
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Due to its softshell, the turtle life is more threatened by other animals.
This turtle is superstitiously believed to have super natural power by some people.
It is said that electric tester glows its lamp when connected to its claw nail.
Flowers open up when kept on its shell, could earn huge money when sold, people said.
PFA conducted the said phenomenon and found that there is nothing supernatural about the glowing of the tester bulb.
The tester (circuit and current tester) got a set of small battery inside which supply energy to the bulb of the tester.
The wet body of the turtle let the current pass and glow the bulb, PFA said.
Any one doing mischievous practice to wild animal could be booked under WLP Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, it said while adding that the baby turtle would be released at a suitable site shortly.