Trivia
The specific name 'trijuga' comes from Latin 'tria' (three) and 'jugum' (yoke), also referencing the three carapacial keels that are most prominent in younger individuals.
Overview
A medium to large freshwater turtle, known as the Indian black turtle. It includes six recognized subspecies with varying distributions across South Asia.
Scientific Name
Melanochelys trijuga
Ecological Habits
Primarily aquatic, inhabiting ponds, marshes, slow-moving rivers, and rice paddies. It is diurnal and basks frequently. Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small vertebrates.
Major Threats & Conservation
Despite its Least Concern status, local populations face threats from habitat loss, water pollution, and overharvesting for consumption and traditional medicine. Conservation efforts include habitat preservation and regulation of trade.
Morphological Characteristics
Adults can reach a maximum straight carapace length (SCL) of 38.3 cm in males and 26.2 cm in females. The carapace is typically black or dark brown with three longitudinal keels (especially in juveniles). The plastron is yellowish with dark seams.
Natural Distribution & Conservation Status
Widely distributed in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand. Introduced in the British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) and Maldives. IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC); CITES Appendix II. Estimated indigenous area of occupancy (AOO): 1,511,818 sq km; extent of occurrence (EOO): 5,163,214 sq km.