skimmer bird mostly found it chambal river becouse this river water is faresh 

The Indian skimmer or Indian scissors-bill (Rynchops albicollis) is one of the three species that belong to the skimmer genus Rynchops in the family Laridae. They are somewhat tern-like but like other skimmers, have a short upper mandible and the longer lower mandible that is ploughed along the surface of water as the bird flies over the water to pick aquatic prey. It is found in southern Asia, where it is patchily distributed and declining in numbers. They are mainly found in rivers or estuaries.  

Chambal Safari, Dholpur 

Chambal Safari Boating dholpur rajasthan is a river-based wildlife experience on the Chambal near Dholpur, Rajasthan. The main attraction is wildlife watching from a boat, especially gharials, mugger crocodiles, turtles and river birds. The Chambal ecosystem is also important for the Gangetic river dolphin and Indian skimmer

1. Where is Chambal Safari?

The Dholpur safari operates along the Chambal River in and around Dholpur, within the larger National Chambal Sanctuary ecosystem.

The National Chambal Sanctuary is a tri-state protected area spanning Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It was established in 1979 primarily to protect the gharial and the river ecosystem. TTOFTigers

For Dholpur visitors, the important attraction is the Chambal riverboat safari, rather than a conventional jeep safari like those in tiger reserves.

2. What will you see?

The main reason to take the boat is wildlife along the river.

🐊 Gharial

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is the star attraction.

You can often see them:

• Lying on sandy riverbanks

• Basking in the sun

• Floating in shallow water

• Diving into the river when boats approach

• In some seasons, females and young gharials around nesting areas

Chambal is one of the world's most important remaining strongholds for this critically endangered crocodilian.

🐊 Mugger crocodile

The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is also found in the Chambal ecosystem. Unlike the fish-specialist gharial, the mugger has a broad snout and a much more varied diet.

🐬 Gangetic river dolphin

The Ganges river dolphin is another major attraction, although seeing one is never guaranteed. They surface only briefly, so sightings depend heavily on river conditions, season and luck. CChambal Safari Lodge

🐢 Freshwater turtles

Several freshwater turtle species occur in the sanctuary and can sometimes be seen basking on rocks, sandbanks or riverbanks.

🐦 Birds

Birdwatching is one of the underrated highlights.

Depending on season and location, you may encounter:

• Indian skimmer

• River terns

• Black-bellied terns

• Kingfishers

• Egrets

• Herons

• Cormorants

• Sandpipers

• Other resident and migratory waterbirds

The sanctuary is recognized as an important birding area. TTOFTigers

3. How does the safari work?

The typical experience is a motorboat ride along the Chambal River, accompanied by a boatman/guide.

You generally:

1. Reach the designated safari/boating point.

2. Complete the entry/booking formalities.

3. Receive a life jacket.

4. Board the motorboat.

5. Travel along the river and sandbanks.

6. The guide looks for gharials, crocodiles, turtles and birds.

7. The boat returns to the starting point.

Some operators advertise approximately one-hour boat trips, while actual duration can vary with the operator, river conditions and wildlife activity. GGo Rajasthan+1

4. Best time to visit

For wildlife viewing, the cooler months are generally preferable, roughly:

October/November → March/April

Winter is particularly attractive because:

• Weather is comfortable.

• Migratory birds are present.

• Gharials can frequently be seen basking.

• The river environment is pleasant for boating.

Summer can be very hot, particularly around midday.

The sanctuary has historically had a monsoon closure/seasonal restriction, with sources giving slightly different closure periods. Heavy rain can affect river conditions and safari operations, so confirm the operating status before travelling. TTOFTigers+1

5. Best time of day

For a wildlife-focused trip, I would prefer:

Early morning or late afternoon.

Gharials are especially interesting when they are basking on sandbanks, while bird activity can also be good in the cooler parts of the day.

However, actual safari slots and operating hours vary by location/operator and season. Some booking operators currently advertise departures from around 8 AM through the afternoon, while Dholpur operators list roughly 9 AM–5 PM. GGo Rajasthan+1

So don't rely on a generic internet timing—confirm your specific Dholpur boat before leaving.

6. How much does it cost?

This is the part where you should be careful.

There is no single universally applicable online price for "Chambal Safari Dholpur." Prices vary according to:

• Boat/operator

• Number of people

• Indian/foreign visitor

• Private vs shared boat

• Guide/naturalist

• Pickup/drop

• Food/package inclusions

For example, one current Dholpur listing reports a boat arrangement for up to 6 people and a ₹10,000 same-day package, while other Chambal safari operators advertise substantially different package prices. Hhttps://www.ranthamborebookings.com/+1

Therefore, confirm the total boat price and capacity before paying.

7. Booking

Some safari operators state that advance/online booking is compulsory, while other Dholpur information suggests boats can be arranged according to availability. RRanthambore Safari+1

For an important trip, I recommend booking ahead rather than arriving without confirmation—particularly during winter weekends and holidays.

8. What should you carry?

Take:

• Government photo ID

• Water bottle

• Sunglasses

• Cap/hat

• Sunscreen

• Binoculars

• Camera/phone

• Light jacket in winter

• Comfortable clothes

• Cash as a backup

Very useful: binoculars

A pair of binoculars makes a huge difference for birdwatching and spotting distant gharials.

9. Rules on the river

During the boat ride:

• Wear the provided life jacket.

• Don't put your hands or feet into the river.

• Don't swim.

• Don't feed animals.

• Don't throw plastic or other waste into the river.

• Don't shout at or deliberately approach wildlife.

• Follow the boatman's instructions.

• Don't ask the boatman to chase animals for photographs.

These practices are particularly important because the Chambal is an important breeding habitat for endangered wildlife. GGo Rajasthan

10. Is it safe?

Generally, the organized boat safari is a controlled wildlife-tourism activity.

The important thing is to remain seated and wear the life jacket. The gharial is not a normal "man-eating crocodile"; it is highly specialized for eating fish. Nevertheless, all wild crocodilians should be treated as wild animals and given plenty of space.

11. How long should you spend?

For a simple trip:

2–3 hours is enough for the river-safari experience itself, including arrival and departure.

For a relaxed Dholpur trip, I'd allocate half a day.

For a serious wildlife/birding visit, consider spending a full day or more, because wildlife sightings are unpredictable.

12. What makes Dholpur different from the Palighat safari?

This is important because online information about "Chambal Safari" often mixes Dholpur with Palighat/Sawai Madhopur.

They are within the broader Chambal ecosystem, but they are different access points/experiences.

If you specifically want Chambal Safari from Dholpur, don't accidentally book a Palighat safari simply because it appears under "National Chambal Sanctuary."

13. What else can you see around Dholpur?

You can combine the river safari with Dholpur's heritage attractions and the surrounding Chambal ravines.

Depending on your time, a Dholpur trip can include:

• Chambal River Safari

• Dholpur Palace

• Machkund

• Muchkund Kund

• Shergarh Fort

• Talab-e-Shahi

• Local ravine landscape

• Nearby temples and heritage sites

The Chambal landscape itself is a major part of the experience—the sandbanks, cliffs/ravines and relatively undisturbed river are very different from a typical forest safari.

14. My recommended plan

If you're visiting Dholpur specifically for wildlife, I'd do:

Morning

• Reach safari point early

• 1–1.5 hour Chambal boat safari

• Focus on gharial + birds

• Keep binoculars ready

Late morning

• Breakfast/tea

• Explore nearby Dholpur attraction

Afternoon

• Heritage sightseeing or another wildlife/birding activity

Late afternoon

• If wildlife is your priority and a second boat is available, consider another river trip in better light.

⭐ What should you expect?

Don't go expecting a tiger-safari experience where animals appear around every corner.

Go for the river ecosystem.

The best experience is sitting quietly on the Chambal and seeing a huge gharial lying on a sandbank, watching birds along the river and—if you're lucky—seeing a Gangetic dolphin surface nearby.

For Dholpur, the Chambal Safari is especially worth doing if your main interests are gharials, crocodiles, river dolphins and birds.

Chambal Ravines — Complete Details

The Chambal ravines, locally called beehad, are one of the most distinctive landscapes of the Chambal River valley. They are especially prominent around Dholpur in Rajasthan, as well as parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The landscape consists of deeply eroded gullies, narrow ridges, steep banks and badland-like terrain. SSage Journals+1

1. What exactly is a ravine?

A ravine is a deep, narrow erosion channel formed when running water repeatedly cuts into soil and soft sediment.

In the Chambal region, rainwater flows rapidly over the relatively fragile soils toward the river. Small gullies gradually enlarge and join together, producing a complicated network of:

• Deep gullies

• Sharp ridges

• Steep-sided valleys

• Cliffs

• Small plateaus

• Badlands

The Chambal valley is therefore famous for its badland topography. WWikipedia+1

2. How were the Chambal ravines formed?

The basic process is water erosion.

Rainfall → surface runoff → small gullies → deeper channels → interconnected ravines

The Chambal's seasonal rainfall and runoff remove soil from exposed slopes. River-bank erosion and the cutting action of tributaries contribute to the process. Scientific work on the Chambal has identified river depth, meandering, confluences, cracks and scouring as factors involved in ravine development. IIndian Forester

The soils in some ravine areas are relatively poorly aggregated and therefore susceptible to erosion. Research on Chambal ravines has documented substantial losses of soil and nutrients during the rainy season. IIndian Agricultural Research Journals

3. Dholpur and the ravines

Dholpur is particularly famous for this landscape.

Historical district records describe the area along the Chambal as the "Dang", deeply dissected by ravines; some historical descriptions recorded very deep ravines extending several kilometres inland. CCensus India

Modern research also identifies gully and ravine erosion along the Chambal as a major land-degradation problem in Dholpur district. NNgji

4. Why do the ravines look so dramatic?

The landscape is not simply a collection of holes in the ground.

You can see a maze-like pattern:

River → steep bank → large ravine → smaller gullies → narrow ridges → agricultural land

From above, the landscape can look almost like a giant network of branching channels.

This is why the Chambal landscape is often described as badlands or beehad.

5. Where are the Chambal ravines found?

The ravine belt extends through parts of:

• Rajasthan

  • Dholpur

  • Karauli

  • Sawai Madhopur and surrounding Chambal areas

• Madhya Pradesh

  • Morena

  • Bhind

  • Sheopur and surrounding areas

• Uttar Pradesh

  • Parts of the lower Chambal/Yamuna valley

The broader Chambal region crosses all three states. WWikipedia+1

6. Ravines and the Chambal River

The relationship is very close.

The Chambal develops high banks and ravine systems along portions of its lower valley. The river eventually enters Uttar Pradesh and joins the Yamuna. CCensus India

Around Dholpur, the combination of:

• River erosion

• Monsoon runoff

• Soft/erodible sediments

• Sloping terrain

• Seasonal drainage

has produced the spectacular ravine landscape.

7. Are ravines bad for the environment?

They are a land-degradation problem for agriculture, but that doesn't mean the entire ecosystem is biologically useless.

For farmers, ravines can:

• Remove fertile topsoil

• Reduce cultivable land

• Make movement difficult

• Increase erosion

• Reduce agricultural productivity

Studies have identified ravine erosion as a serious socio-economic and agricultural problem in the Dholpur area. NNgji

At the same time, the difficult terrain can provide relatively inaccessible habitat for wildlife.

8. Wildlife in the Chambal ravines

The most important wildlife is concentrated around the river and associated habitats, rather than simply inside the dry ravines.

The wider Chambal ecosystem supports:

• 🐊 Gharial

• 🐊 Mugger crocodile

• 🐬 Gangetic river dolphin

• 🐢 Freshwater turtles

• 🦦 Otters

• 🐦 Numerous river and wetland birds

The sandy riverbanks and islands are particularly important for gharial nesting.

9. Ravines and dacoits

The Chambal ravines became famous throughout India because they historically provided natural hideouts for dacoits/bandits.

Their geography was ideal for hiding:

• The terrain is extremely difficult to navigate.

• There are thousands of interconnected gullies.

• Steep walls make pursuit difficult.

• Villages and roads could be avoided.

• People familiar with the landscape had a major advantage.

This is why terms such as Chambal beehad became strongly associated with the dacoit stories of the 20th century. WWikipedia

However, today the ravines should primarily be understood as a geological, ecological and rural landscape, rather than through their old bandit image.

10. Can tourists visit the ravines?

Yes, but don't treat the ravines like an unrestricted trekking area.

For a visitor to Dholpur, the safer and more useful approach is to experience the landscape through:

• Chambal River safari

• Designated tourist areas

• Guided nature/wildlife excursions

• Approved local routes

The river safari is particularly good because you can see the ravine walls from the river, while also looking for gharials, crocodiles and birds.

Chambal Safari Boating dholpur rajasthan is located near the old Chambal bridge in Dholpur. Its current listing indicates that it is temporarily closed, so check operating status before planning around it.

11. Why are Chambal ravines important?

They are important for three major reasons:

Geographical importance:
They are an outstanding example of severe fluvial erosion and badland formation. SSage Journals

Environmental importance:
The wider ravine–river system forms part of an important habitat for endangered river wildlife.

Cultural importance:
The terrain has played a major role in the history and folklore of the Chambal region.

12. Simple explanation

Think of the Chambal landscape like this:

A river runs through relatively soft land. Monsoon water repeatedly cuts tiny channels into the land. Those channels become deeper and wider, join one another, and eventually produce a huge network of gullies and steep ridges. That network is the famous Chambal "beehad" or ravines.

And Dholpur is one of the best-known areas for seeing this landscape.

Ruddy shelduck 

The ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), known in India as the Brahminy duck, is a member of the family Anatidae. It is a distinctive waterfowl, 58 to 70 cm (23 to 28 in) in length with a wingspan of 110 to 135 cm (43 to 53 in). It has orange-brown body plumage with a paler head, while the tail and the flight feathers in the wings are black, contrasting with the white wing-coverts. It is a migratory bird, wintering in the Indian subcontinent and breeding in southeastern Europe and central Asia, though there are small resident populations in North Africa. It has a loud honking call.

The ruddy shelduck mostly inhabits inland water-bodies such as lakes, reservoirs and rivers. The male and female form a lasting pair bond and the nest may be well away from water, in a crevice or hole in a cliff, tree or similar site. A clutch of about eight eggs is laid and is incubated solely by the female for about four weeks. The young are cared for by both parents and fledge about eight weeks after hatching.

In central and eastern Asia, populations are steady or rising, but in Europe they are generally in decline. Altogether, the birds have a wide range and large total population, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed their conservation status as being of least concern.

चकवा (Ruddy shelduck), जिसे चक्रवाक और ब्राह्मणी बत्तख (Brahminy duck) भी कहा जाता है, बत्तख के टडोरना वंश की एक जाति है, जो गर्मियों में यूरोप और एशिया के उत्तरी भाग में प्रजनन करती है और फिर सर्दियों में प्रवास कर इन से दक्षिणी क्षेत्रों में जाती है, जिनमें भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप भी शामिल है। यह एक सुनहरे-नारंगी रंग का पक्षी है, जो भारतीय साहित्य में चिरपरिचित है। इसका उल्लेख कालिदास ने भी किया था और "चकवा-चकवी" के जोड़े के बारे में भारत में किंवदंतियाँ हैं।[2][3] इस पक्षी के बारे में कबीरदास ने कहा - सांझ पड़े, बीतबै, चकवी दीन्ही रोय। चल चकवा व देश को जहां रैन नहिं होय

विवरण

चक्रवाक का रंग गाढ़ा नारंगी या हलका कत्थई होता है, लेकिन इसकी गरदन ओर सिर बदामी होता है। गरदन के चारों ओर एक काला कंठा रहता हैं, लेकिन मादा इस कंठे से रहित होती है। डैने और पर के कुछ पंख काले और सफेद रहते हैं और डैने का चित्ता (Speculum) हरा होता है। चकवा से मिलती-जुलती एक अन्य जाति भी है, शाह चकवा, जो काले और सफेद रंग का बहुत ही सुंदर चितकबरा पक्षी है, जिसका कद और आदतें चक्रवाक जैसी ही होती हैं।

चक्रवाक दो फुट लंबा पक्षी है, जिसके नर ओर मादा करीब करीब एक जैसे ही होते हैं। मादा नर से कुछ छोटी होती है और उसका रंग भी नर से कुछ हलका रहता है। चक्रवाक सारे दक्षिणी पूर्वी यूरोप, मध्यएशिया और उत्तरी अफ्रीका के प्रदेशों में फैले हुए हैं, जहाँ यह झीलों, बड़ी नदियों तथा समुद्री किनारों पर अपना अधिक समय बिताते हैं। यह बहुत ढीठ पक्षी हैं। इनकी कर्कश बोली आबादी के निकटवर्ती जलाशयों में सुनाई पड़ती रहती है। हमारे कवियों ने इसी कारण शायद इनके बारे में यह कल्पना की है कि रात में नर पक्षी मादा से विलग हो जाता है और उसका मिलन सूर्योदय के पूर्व नहीं होता, लेकिन केवल साहित्यिक मान्यता के अतिरिक्त इसमें कोई तथ्य नहीं है।

चक्रवाक जोड़े में रहते हैं, लेकिन कभी कभी सैकड़ों का झुंड बना लेते हैं। ये अंडा देने के लिये घोंसला नहीं बनाते। इनकी मादा पहाड़ के सूराखों में अथवा जमीन पर ही थोड़ा घास फूस रखकर अपने अंडे देती है। इनका मुख्य भोजन घास पात, सेवर तथा अन्न के दाने आदि हैं, लेकिन छोटी छोटी मछलियाँ और घोंघे, कटुए आदि भी ये खा लेते हैं। इनका मांस साधारण तथा बिसैधा होता है।

The black-bellied tern (Sterna acuticauda) is a tern found near large rivers in the Indian subcontinent, its range extending from Pakistan, Nepal and India to Myanmar. It has become very scarce in the eastern part of its range and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being endangered.

They have a black belly in the summer and a deep forked tail. They can sometimes resemble whiskered terns (Chlidonias hybrida), but the deeper fork of the tail and the black on the lower belly distinguish them from the shallow fork and black closer to the breast on the whiskered tern. Considering that sequence analysis supports moving the similar black-fronted tern ("Sterna" albostriata) into Chlidonias, this species might also be better placed in that genus, but no research has yet been conducted.

Crocodile 

Crocodiles (family Crocodylidae) or true crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. The term crocodile is sometimes used even more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia, which includes the alligators and caimans (family Alligatoridae), the gharial and false gharial (family Gavialidae) among other extinct taxa.

Although they appear similar, crocodiles, alligators and the gharial belong to separate biological families. The gharial, with its narrow snout, is easier to distinguish, while morphological differences are more difficult to spot in crocodiles and alligators. The most obvious external differences are visible in the head, with crocodiles having narrower and longer heads, with a more V-shaped than a U-shaped snout compared to alligators and caimans. Another obvious trait is that the upper and lower jaws of the crocodiles are the same width, and the teeth in the lower jaw fall along the edge or outside the upper jaw when the mouth is closed; therefore, all teeth are visible, unlike an alligator, which possesses in the upper jaw small depressions into which the lower teeth fit. Also, when the crocodile's mouth is closed, the large fourth tooth in the lower jaw fits into a constriction in the upper jaw. For hard-to-distinguish specimens, the protruding tooth is the most reliable feature to define the species' family. Crocodiles have more webbing on the toes of the hind feet and can better tolerate saltwater due to specialized salt glands for filtering out salt, which are present, but non-functioning, in alligators. Another trait that separates crocodiles from other crocodilians is their much higher levels of aggression.

Crocodile size, morphology, behaviour and ecology differ somewhat among species. However, they have many similarities in these areas as well. All crocodiles are semiaquatic and tend to congregate in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and sometimes in brackish water and saltwater. They are carnivorous animals, feeding mostly on vertebrates such as fish, reptiles, birds and mammals, and sometimes on invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans, depending on species and age. All crocodiles are tropical species that, unlike alligators, are very sensitive to cold. They separated from other crocodilians during the Eocene epoch, about 55 million years ago.Many species are at the risk of extinction, some being classified as critically endangered.

CHAMBAL WATER BIRDS

The National Chambal Sanctuary is home to the endangered Indian Skimmer, a iconic waterbird that uses its longer lower bill to slice the water surface as it flies. [1, 2]

Key Waterbirds of the Chambal River

• Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis): An endangered riverine bird that breeds on the exposed sandy riverbanks and sandbars of the Chambal.

• Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone): The world's tallest flying bird, frequently seen in the agricultural fields and wetlands bordering the river.

• Black-bellied Tern & River Tern: Active fish-eating birds that thrive along the clear, flowing waters of the sanctuary.

• Migratory Visitors: Winter brings flocks of flamingos, rudy shelducks, and various species of waders, storks, and ibises from November through May. [7, 8]

To help plan your birdwatching trip, would you like to know:The best timing and locations for a boat safari near Dholpur or Agra?A checklist of winter migratory species to expect?

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.facebook.com/groups/indianbirds/posts/10162384370872411/

[2] https://www.facebook.com/nishantpriyagaur/videos/-perfect-shot-from-the-chambal-rivermeet-the-indian-skimmer-rynchops-albicolliso/2100081947526116/

[3] https://scroll.in/article/985647/in-chambal-a-chowkidar-turns-conservationist-to-protect-endangered-migratory-birds

[4] https://ebird.org/region/L4073389/bird-list

[5] https://www.naturesafariindia.com/birding-areas/national-chambal-sanctuary/

[6] https://ataavi.org/event/bird-walk-at-chambal-garden-kota-rajasthan-2/

[7] https://roundglasssustain.com/photo-stories/birds-chambal

[8] https://upecotourism.in/NationalChambalSanctuary.aspx

🐢 Freshwater Turtles of the Chambal River

The Chambal River and the National Chambal Sanctuary are important habitats for several species of freshwater turtles. The river's sandy islands, sandbanks, deep pools, rocky areas and aquatic vegetation provide important feeding, basking and nesting habitats.

Major turtle species recorded in the Chambal

No.

Common Name

Scientific Name

Key Identification

Conservation

1

Red-crowned Roofed Turtle

Batagur kachuga

Brightly coloured head in breeding males; roof-shaped shell

Critically Endangered

2

Three-striped Roofed Turtle

Batagur dhongoka

Three prominent stripes on the shell

Critically Endangered

3

Crowned River Turtle

Hardella thurjii

Large turtle with a strongly domed shell

Threatened

4

Indian Roofed Turtle

Pangshura tecta

Small turtle with a roof-like shell

Least Concern

5

Indian Tent Turtle

Pangshura tentoria

Distinct central keel on the shell

Least Concern

6

Indian Softshell Turtle

Nilssonia gangetica

Large, flattened body with a soft leathery shell

Endangered

7

Indian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle

Chitra indica

Extremely narrow, elongated head

Endangered

8

Indian Flapshell Turtle

Lissemys punctata

Soft shell with characteristic rear flaps

Vulnerable/varies by assessment

These species are included in published Chambal wildlife/reptile checklists and conservation literature.

1. Red-crowned Roofed Turtle

Batagur kachuga

6

This is one of the most important and critically endangered turtles of the Chambal River.

Identification

• Females are considerably larger than males.

• Adult males develop spectacular red, yellow and blue coloration on the head during the breeding season.

• The shell has a characteristic roof-like shape.

• Often seen basking on exposed sandbanks, logs or river edges.

Habitat

• Large rivers

• Sandbanks

• River islands

• Deep pools

• Sandy nesting beaches

Diet

Mainly:

• Aquatic plants

• Vegetation

• Other available aquatic food resources

Breeding

Females come onto sandy riverbanks to lay eggs. Natural sandbanks are therefore extremely important breeding habitat.

Major threats

• Sand mining

• Loss of nesting beaches

• Fishing nets

• Egg collection

• Human disturbance

• Changes in river flow and habitat

2. Three-striped Roofed Turtle

Batagur dhongoka

Another highly threatened river turtle associated with the Chambal ecosystem.

Identification

The most useful field characteristic is the three longitudinal stripes visible on the carapace.

Habitat

It prefers:

• Large rivers

• Sandy riverbanks

• Sandbars

• River islands

Breeding

Females use sandy banks for nesting.

Threats

• Sand extraction

• Destruction of nesting sites

• Fishing nets

• Egg collection

• Human disturbance

The Chambal is particularly important for the survival of this species.

3. Crowned River Turtle

Hardella thurjii

4

This is a large freshwater turtle.

Size

The carapace can reach approximately 65 cm, with females considerably larger than males.

Diet

Primarily:

• Aquatic plants

• Vegetation

It may also consume some animal matter depending on habitat and availability.

Breeding

Breeding occurs during the warmer months. Clutch size can be around 8–19 eggs.

Habitat

• Large rivers

• River margins

• Sandbanks

• Aquatic vegetation areas

4. Indian Roofed Turtle

Pangshura tecta

6

A relatively small freshwater turtle.

Identification

• Small body

• Distinctive patterned shell

• Roof-like carapace

• Often associated with shallow water and river margins

Habitat

• Rivers

• Streams

• Wetlands

• Vegetated shallow water

It is recorded in the Chambal reptile checklist.

5. Indian Tent Turtle

Pangshura tentoria

6

The name comes from its characteristic tent-like shell profile.

Identification

The central keel of the carapace is an important identification feature.

Habitat

• Rivers

• River margins

• Shallow water

• Aquatic vegetation

Food

It can feed on:

• Aquatic vegetation

• Small aquatic organisms

• Other available food

6. Indian Softshell Turtle

Nilssonia gangetica

5

This turtle looks very different from hard-shelled turtles.

Identification

• Soft, leathery shell

• Flattened body

• Long neck

• Tubular snout

• Excellent swimmer

It can become a very large turtle; the carapace can approach about 94 cm in exceptionally large individuals.

Diet

Primarily carnivorous:

• Fish

• Aquatic animals

• Small aquatic organisms

• Carrion

Breeding

In the Chambal region, nesting has been reported during approximately August–October.

Clutch size can be around 6–39 eggs.

Habitat

• Deep river pools

• Sandy river bottoms

• Sandbanks

• Rocky areas

7. Indian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle

Chitra indica

4

One of the easiest softshell turtles to recognise because of its very long, narrow head and snout.

Identification

• Very flattened body

• Soft leathery shell

• Long, narrow head

• Long pointed snout

• Excellent camouflage

Behaviour

It can bury itself in sandy river bottoms, making it difficult to observe.

Habitat

It prefers large rivers with:

• Sandy bottoms

• Deep water

• Relatively undisturbed habitat

8. Indian Flapshell Turtle

Lissemys punctata

7

This is a widely distributed Indian freshwater turtle and is also recorded from the Chambal region.

Identification

• Soft/leathery shell

• Flattened body

• Characteristic flaps near the hind limbs

• Flexible shell margins

Habitat

It can live in:

• Rivers

• Ponds

• Marshes

• Seasonal wetlands

• Muddy and shallow water habitats

Food

It is relatively opportunistic and may eat:

• Aquatic animals

• Invertebrates

• Fish

• Carrion

• Plant material

🏝️ Why the Chambal River is so important for turtles

The Chambal has a combination of habitats that is particularly valuable for river turtles:

Deep river → Sandbank → River island → Sandy nesting beach → Aquatic vegetation

The sandy islands and beaches are especially important because several turtles leave the water to lay their eggs.

A simple conservation cycle is:

Adult turtle → Nest → Eggs → Hatchlings → River → Adult turtle

If nesting beaches are destroyed, the entire reproductive cycle can be affected.

⚠️ Major threats to Chambal turtles

1. Sand mining

Removal of natural sandbanks can destroy nesting habitat.

2. Fishing nets

Turtles can become trapped in fishing nets and drown.

3. Egg collection

Removing eggs directly reduces recruitment of young turtles.

4. Habitat disturbance

Boats, people and other activities around nesting beaches can disturb females.

5. Pollution

Plastic, agricultural runoff and other pollutants can affect aquatic habitats.

6. Changes in river flow

Changes in natural water levels can alter sandbanks and nesting areas.

7. Illegal wildlife collection

Some freshwater turtles are collected for illegal trade or consumption.

🐊 Chambal's turtle ecosystem

Turtles are only one part of the remarkable Chambal river ecosystem.

Chambal River ecosystem:

🐊 Gharial
🐬 Gangetic River Dolphin
🐢 Freshwater Turtles
🐊 Mugger Crocodile
🦅 Riverine Birds
🐟 Fish
🦀 Aquatic Invertebrates

The National Chambal Sanctuary is particularly significant because several threatened river species occur together in this landscape.

🐢 Quick field identification

What you see

Possible species

🔴 Bright red/colourful head in breeding male

Red-crowned Roofed Turtle

3 prominent stripes on shell

Three-striped Roofed Turtle

Very large hard-shelled river turtle

Crowned River Turtle

Small roof-shaped shell

Indian Roofed Turtle

Strong central keel / tent-like appearance

Indian Tent Turtle

Large soft leathery shell

Indian Softshell Turtle

Very narrow, elongated head

Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle

Soft shell + rear flaps

Indian Flapshell Turtle

Important: Conservation categories and scientific taxonomy can change as IUCN assessments are updated. For fieldwork or an official report, species status should be checked against the latest IUCN and Indian legal listings.