Indian Softshell Turtle
Nikkor 200-500 VR/TC 14 III @700mm, f8 , Nikon Z 6
Late afternoon; this mainly carnivorous turtle is living in Brahmaputra, Ganga, Indus, Mahanadi and other river systems. It forages and hunts all kinds of invertebrates and vertebrates (including birds).
This is another example of once-common species which numbers have plummeted by trade to China and other countries in Asia. Despite the concentrated efforts of the local conservationists, the turtles, their parts or chips made of their sun-dried bodies are smuggled in vast numbers and used as “traditional medicine” to cure whatever disease this fashion in superstitions deems fit. It seems that urgent education about the vital and practical (and ethical) necessity for other life to coexist with us is their/our only chance. Most people are naturally attracted to the magic and experience of knowledge - above ignorance, given a chance.
Rajashan, NP