Millepex 2000 – Endangered Species

Reptiles: Evolution, Characteristics, and Conservation

Reptiles were the first vertebrates to successfully adapt to life on dry land. They are believed to have evolved during the Upper Carboniferous period (approximately 300 to 260 million years ago), descending from amphibians. One of their defining features is their dry, scaly skin, although not all scaly animals are classified as reptiles. The term “reptile” originates from the Latin word reptilis, meaning “crawling.”

While most reptiles are terrestrial, some species, such as turtles, are adapted to aquatic environments but still return to land for breeding. The four main groups of reptiles include turtles, crocodiles, lizards, and snakes. Unfortunately, the exploitation of reptile skin has led to many species becoming rare and endangered.

Turtles and Their Classification

Turtles belong to the reptilian order Chelonia, which includes marine turtles, freshwater turtles, terrapins, and land tortoises. To raise awareness about endangered species, the India Post issued a set of commemorative stamps featuring two threatened turtles: the Olive Ridley Turtle and the Batagur Baska.

Olive Ridley Turtle: Habitat and Behavior

The Olive Ridley turtle is one of the most common sea turtles found in the Indian subcontinent. It inhabits regions such as the Gulf of Kutch, coastal waters of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Odisha coastline, and the Andaman Islands.

This species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 due to threats like coastal pollution and development. Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest sea turtles and are known for their mass nesting behavior, particularly along the Odisha coast. Major nesting sites include Gahirmatha Beach, as well as river mouths at Devi and Rushikulya.

These turtles are olive-brown on top and yellowish underneath, with distinctive multiple shields on their shells. They are omnivorous, feeding on fish, crabs, molluscs, and jellyfish. Capable of diving up to 150 meters, they undertake long migrations in search of feeding and breeding grounds. However, mass nesting has become increasingly restricted, highlighting the need for conservation.

Batagur Baska: Habitat and Conservation

The Batagur Baska, also known as the northern river terrapin, is a large, web-footed aquatic turtle found in freshwater, brackish, and coastal environments. It prefers shallow, muddy tidal regions near river mouths, especially areas surrounded by mangroves.

Historically abundant in the Hooghly River region, the species saw a drastic decline and was believed to be nearly extinct in India. However, it was rediscovered in the Sundarbans in 1998, where eggs were found and successful breeding was later recorded.

Conservation efforts, including habitat protection under initiatives like Project Tiger, have provided hope for the species’ recovery. Continued protection is essential for its survival.

Millepex 2000 and Commemorative Stamps

To promote awareness about endangered reptiles, the India Post released a set of two commemorative postage stamps during the Millepex 2000 held in Bhubaneswar.

These stamps feature:

• Batagur Baska (Batagur Terrapin)
• Lepidochelys olivacea (Olive Ridley Turtle)

This initiative highlights the urgent need to conserve endangered turtle species and protect biodiversity.