50-kg Indian flapshell turtle rescued in East Delhi

In a quiet neighbourhood of East Delhi, a chance encounter between residents and a struggling reptile turned into a story of timely compassion and conservation.

A nearly 50-kg Indian flapshell turtle was rescued near a polluted water body in Harsh Vihar, Mandoli, after a local family spotted it floundering near the edge of a contaminated stretch. The freshwater turtle, a species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, bore minor abrasions, likely from contact with nearby asphalt and debris.

What could have ended in distress for the reptile instead became an example of citizen awareness. The family, recognising the danger, carefully moved the turtle into a container and contacted the Wildlife SOS helpline.

Responding swiftly, the organisation’s Rapid Response Unit reached the site and secured the animal, ensuring minimal stress during handling. The turtle was transported to a transit facility for assessment before being released into a safer habitat.

The episode underscores the fragile coexistence between urban expansion and wildlife. Once thriving in ponds, marshes and slow-moving rivers, flapshell turtles now increasingly encounter degraded habitats due to pollution and encroachment.

“Urban environments can be extremely challenging for aquatic species,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS. He noted that the family’s quick response helped prevent further harm to the animal.

Echoing the sentiment, Geeta Seshamani highlighted the importance of seeking professional help when encountering wildlife. “The right intervention ensured the turtle received care without unnecessary handling,” she said.

As temperatures rise and water sources shrink or become more polluted, such encounters may become more frequent. Conservationists stress that community vigilance will play a key role in protecting species like the Indian flapshell turtle, which is also listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.