7 unique turtle species found in India

The Olive Ridley is perhaps the most well-known sea turtle in India, celebrated for its spectacular mass nesting events, called arribadas. Thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs along the eastern coast — notably in Odisha’s Gahirmatha Beach, Rushikulya, and Devi River Mouth. Small and olive-green, these turtles grow up to 70 cm long. Despite their abundance, they face threats from fishing nets, plastic pollution, and coastal development. Conservation efforts, led by the Odisha Forest Department and local communities, have significantly helped safeguard their nesting grounds.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

The Green Sea Turtle, named for the greenish hue of its body fat rather than its shell, is one of the largest sea turtles, reaching up to 1.5 meters in length. Found along both the eastern and western coasts of India, particularly in Gujarat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, these gentle herbivores graze on seagrass beds that keep marine ecosystems healthy. Unfortunately, habitat destruction and illegal egg collection continue to endanger their survival.

Hawksbill Turtle

Recognised by their beautifully patterned shells and pointed beaks, Hawksbill Turtles are a critically endangered species found mainly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of the Lakshadweep archipelago. Their shells have long been prized for decorative use, leading to rampant poaching in the past. Hawksbills play a vital role in coral reef health, feeding on sponges and preventing reef overgrowth. Conservation laws now protect them under India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, but climate change and marine debris still pose major threats.

Hawksbill sea turtle (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Indian Flapshell Turtle

Moving inland, the Indian Flapshell Turtle is a common freshwater species found across India’s rivers, ponds, and wetlands. Named for the flaps of skin that cover its limbs when retracted into the shell, this medium-sized turtle is known for its adaptability. It can survive droughts by burrowing into mud and entering a state of dormancy. Found from Rajasthan to Assam, the species is not currently endangered but faces habitat loss due to shrinking wetlands and pollution.

Indian Roofed Turtle

The Indian Roofed Turtle gets its name from the unique, peaked shape of its carapace, which resembles a roof. Inhabiting the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems, these small, colourful turtles are often seen basking on logs or rocks. Males are more brightly coloured, with red and yellow stripes on the head and neck. While common, they are vulnerable to illegal trade and declining river quality.

Indian Tent Turtle

Closely related to the roofed turtle, the Indian Tent Turtle has a slightly domed shell resembling a pitched tent. It is widespread across the northern and central rivers of India, including the Chambal, Yamuna, and Ganga. A skilled swimmer and a basking enthusiast, it feeds on aquatic plants and insects. Conservation projects along the National Chambal Sanctuary protect this species, which is often targeted by the pet trade.

Leatherback Turtle

The Leatherback Turtle is the giant among sea turtles — the largest living species in the world. Instead of a hard shell, it has a leathery, ridged back that helps it dive to depths of more than 1,000 meters. Found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, these majestic turtles can grow up to 2.5 meters in length and weigh over 700 kilograms. They are listed as critically endangered due to marine pollution, loss of nesting beaches, and accidental capture in fishing nets.

Disclaimer: In India, all native turtle and tortoise species are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This means it is illegal to trap, trade, sell, or keep them as pets.