Reptiles of Dudhwa National Park – Guardians of Wetlands and Forest Floors
From the critically endangered gharial of Katarniaghat to the mighty mugger crocodile, pythons, cobras, and freshwater turtles, Dudhwa’s reptile diversity makes it one of the richest herpetofauna habitats in the Terai region.
Reptiles of Dudhwa
Dudhwa National Park, nestled in the heart of the Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh, is not just famous for its tigers, rhinos, elephants, and swamp deer. Hidden beneath this megafauna spotlight lies an equally vital and often overlooked world — the reptiles of Dudhwa. These cold-blooded survivors are some of the oldest creatures on Earth, playing a crucial role in regulating prey populations, maintaining wetland balance, and acting as bio-indicators of ecological health.
From the critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) with its slender snout adapted for catching fish, to the Indian rock python (Python molurus) silently gliding through tall elephant grasses, Dudhwa offers a living classroom for herpetologists and an exciting spectacle for safari visitors.
The wetlands of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary are world-renowned for gharial and freshwater turtle conservation, while the Suheli, Mohana, and Girwa rivers sustain mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris). Dense sal forests, sprawling grasslands, and marshy floodplains also provide habitats for snakes, lizards, and tortoises. Together, they form one of the richest reptilian landscapes in India’s protected areas.
For tourists, a basking crocodile on a mudbank, a monitor lizard darting across a jeep trail, or the sudden glimpse of a cobra adds unforgettable drama to the Dudhwa experience.
From the critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), with its slender snout perfectly evolved for catching fish, to the Indian rock python (Python molurus) gliding silently through tall grasses, reptiles are an integral part of the food chain here. They regulate prey populations, act as bio-indicators of wetland health, and contribute to the unique biodiversity that makes Dudhwa one of India’s most significant wildernesses.
The wetlands of Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary — part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve — are internationally recognized for their efforts in gharial and freshwater turtle conservation, while the Suheli, Mohana, and Girwa rivers provide safe havens for mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris). Beyond the wetlands, the dense sal forests, sprawling grasslands, and marshy floodplains of Dudhwa are alive with the movements of snakes, lizards, and tortoises, making the park a living classroom for herpetologists and a thrilling destination for visitors.
For tourists, encountering a reptile in Dudhwa is a reminder that the park’s wildlife is more than just charismatic mammals. A crocodile basking on a mudbank, a monitor lizard darting across the trail, or the haunting hood of a cobra glimpsed from afar — these moments enrich the safari experience and highlight Dudhwa’s role as one of the richest reptilian habitats of the Terai region.
Crocodiles & Gharials – Apex Predators of Wetlands
Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)
The gharial, instantly recognized by its long, slender snout lined with sharp interlocking teeth, is among the rarest reptiles in the world. Once common across India’s rivers, it now survives in fragmented populations and is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
Habitat in Dudhwa: The Girwa River in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the last strongholds for gharials. Visitors often spot them basking on sandy banks.
Behavior: Gharials are highly specialized fish-eaters. Males develop a bulbous nasal growth, the ghara, which amplifies their calls during the breeding season.
Conservation Efforts: Since the 1970s, the U.P. Forest Department and MoEFCC, supported by NGOs like WWF India, have run captive breeding and release programs. Katarniaghat is now a global focal point for gharial recovery, with successful hatching and reintroduction into the wild.
The gharial’s presence in healthy numbers is a direct indicator of clean, fish-rich rivers — a strong sign that Dudhwa’s aquatic ecosystems remain intact.
Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)
Also called the marsh crocodile, the mugger is the most widespread crocodilian of the Indian subcontinent. Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, it thrives in rivers, marshes, lakes, and even reservoirs — making Dudhwa one of its strongholds.
Habitat in Dudhwa: Frequently seen in the Suheli River and wetland stretches across Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, especially basking on mudbanks in winter.
Behavior: Unlike the fish-specialist gharial, muggers are broad-snouted ambush hunters. They feed on fish, amphibians, water birds, and occasionally livestock that wander near water bodies.
Ecological Role: A keystone predator, the mugger helps regulate fish and amphibian populations, preventing ecosystem imbalance and ensuring wetland health.
Despite their fearsome reputation, mugger crocodiles are typically shy of humans inside the park. Rarely, human-crocodile conflict has been reported in nearby villages.
Why They Matter
Both gharial and mugger crocodiles are considered flagship species for wetland conservation in the Terai. Their survival signals the overall health of Dudhwa’s rivers, which also sustain turtles, otters, and migratory waterbirds. Protecting them means protecting the entire aquatic food web.
For tourists, a boat safari on Katarniaghat’s rivers (allowed in specific zones under forest supervision) is one of India’s most thrilling wildlife experiences — from gharials lined up on sandy islets to a mugger slipping silently into the water at dusk.
Snakes of Dudhwa – Silent Predators
Dudhwa’s sal forests, tall elephant grasses, wetlands, and agricultural fringes create habitats for a fascinating range of snakes — both venomous and non-venomous. These reptiles are vital for ecosystem balance, acting as natural pest controllers and indicators of forest health.
Indian Rock Python (Python molurus): A non-venomous giant, often exceeding 6 meters. Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), it preys on deer fawns, wild piglets, and large birds. Sometimes seen basking near riverbanks during jeep safaris.
Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja): One of India’s most iconic snakes. Its dramatic hood display is legendary. Within Dudhwa, it regulates populations of frogs, rodents, and even birds, but generally avoids humans unless threatened.
Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus): A nocturnal species, among the most venomous snakes in Asia. It emerges after dark, hunting rodents and lizards, making it ecologically significant near villages and grasslands.
Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa): A completely harmless snake, fast and agile, often spotted in farmlands and forests. Important for controlling rodent numbers, making it a farmer’s ally.
Together, these snakes form an invisible yet powerful network that keeps prey-predator balance intact. For wildlife enthusiasts, even the glimpse of a python in tall grass or the sound of a cobra’s hood display reminds that Dudhwa’s forests are alive at every level — from canopy to forest floor.
Indian Rock Python (Python molurus)
The Indian Rock Python is one of the most iconic reptiles of Dudhwa National Park and a living emblem of the park’s rich reptilian biodiversity. Unlike venomous snakes, the python is non-venomous, but its sheer size makes it a formidable predator. Adults can exceed six meters in length and weigh up to 90 kilograms, ranking it among the largest snakes in Asia.
In Dudhwa, pythons are most often found around sal forests, grasslands, and riverbanks of the Suheli and Mohana rivers. Being semi-aquatic, they are skilled swimmers and are frequently spotted basking near wetlands or forest clearings. Their ecological role is significant: pythons prey on a wide range of animals including deer fawns, wild boar piglets, large birds, and monkeys. By naturally regulating herbivore and rodent populations, they maintain the delicate balance between predator and prey in the Terai ecosystem.
Pythons kill through constriction—wrapping powerful coils around prey and suffocating it before feeding. After a large meal, they may remain motionless for days, often seen sunning themselves in open glades.
Once heavily threatened by habitat loss and hunting, today the Indian Rock Python is legally safeguarded under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), the highest level of protection in India. Dudhwa’s secure habitats now provide refuge for this ancient serpent. For visitors, an unexpected glimpse of a python along a safari trail is unforgettable — a reminder that Dudhwa’s forests hold mysteries beyond tigers and rhinos.
Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja)
The Spectacled Cobra, also known as the Indian Cobra, is one of India’s most culturally significant reptiles and an important resident of Dudhwa National Park. Its name comes from the iconic spectacle-shaped mark on the hood, which is raised when the snake feels threatened. Revered in Indian folklore and feared for its venom, the cobra is a symbol of both power and protection.
In Dudhwa, cobras inhabit forest edges, grasslands, and even agricultural fringes, where rodents, frogs, and birds provide abundant prey. Unlike the python, the cobra is highly venomous, equipped with potent neurotoxin capable of immobilizing prey in minutes. This makes it a natural regulator of pest populations that can damage crops or spread disease, underscoring its ecological importance.
Their behavior is typically shy and defensive. They avoid humans but display the dramatic “cobra dance” when threatened — a striking hood display and swaying motion that fascinates researchers and tourists alike. During breeding, females lay clutches of 10–30 eggs, which they guard fiercely until hatching.
Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Schedule II, cobras are not as critically endangered as gharials or pythons, yet they face pressures from habitat disturbance, road kills, and human conflict. Awareness programs in Dudhwa’s buffer villages emphasize the cobra’s role in natural pest control, helping reduce unnecessary persecution.
For safari visitors, witnessing a cobra rising near a termite mound or slithering silently across a forest trail is both thrilling and humbling — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that highlights the raw, untamed beauty of Dudhwa’s wilderness.
Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
The Common Krait is one of India’s most feared snakes and an important yet rarely seen reptile of Dudhwa National Park. Belonging to the infamous “Big Four” venomous snakes of India, kraits are responsible for many snakebite cases across the subcontinent. In the wild, however, these snakes are shy, secretive, and play a vital ecological role in the forest ecosystem.
In Dudhwa, kraits are associated with grasslands, scrub forests, and agricultural edges close to villages, where rodent populations are abundant. Primarily nocturnal, they hide under litter, burrows, or logs during the day and emerge only at night to hunt. Their diet includes rats, lizards, frogs, and even other snakes, making them one of the few snake species known for cannibalism. By naturally regulating rodent numbers, kraits indirectly benefit farmers and reduce the spread of rodent-borne diseases.
Their glossy black scales, with faint white crossbars, give them a distinctive appearance, though markings may fade with age. Despite being highly venomous, kraits are not aggressive, striking only when provoked or stepped on. Their neurotoxic venom, however, is among the most potent in Asia, capable of causing paralysis if untreated.
From a conservation perspective, kraits are legally protected under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Schedule IV, though they are not currently listed as globally threatened by the IUCN. The main challenge remains human conflict and unnecessary killing out of fear. Awareness programs around Dudhwa emphasize their importance as natural pest controllers.
For most visitors, spotting a krait is rare due to its secretive lifestyle, but for herpetologists, its presence is a reminder of Dudhwa’s hidden reptilian diversity and the forest drama that unfolds at night.
Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa)
The Rat Snake, also known as the Oriental Rat Snake, is among the most common non-venomous reptiles in Dudhwa and surrounding villages. Despite its large size—growing up to 3 meters—it is completely harmless to humans, though it is often mistaken for the cobra due to its similar threat posture.
In Dudhwa, rat snakes thrive in sal forests, grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural landscapes. They are agile climbers and adept swimmers, feeding mainly on rats, mice, frogs, birds, and lizards. This makes them one of the most important natural rodent controllers in the Terai, indirectly supporting local farmers and protecting crops.
Behaviorally, rat snakes are fast-moving and nervous. When threatened, they raise their head and emit a loud hiss, sometimes spreading their neck slightly to mimic a cobra — a harmless bluff. Unlike venomous snakes, they rely purely on speed and agility to escape predators. During breeding season, males are known to wrestle in dramatic combat displays for dominance, a rare sight for safari-goers and researchers alike.
Legally, the rat snake is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Schedule II, which prohibits hunting or trade. While not considered globally threatened, they face risks from road kills and unnecessary persecution.
For visitors, spotting a rat snake during a safari or near forest-edge villages is a common experience. Their impressive length, climbing agility, and diurnal behavior make them easy to photograph, adding an accessible window into Dudhwa’s reptilian life.
Why Snakes Matter in Dudhwa
Though they attract less attention than tigers or rhinos, snakes in Dudhwa are essential ecological regulators. By controlling rodent populations, they:
Protect crops in buffer-zone villages.
Support forest regeneration by reducing seed predation.
Maintain a healthy prey-predator balance in the ecosystem.
For researchers and enthusiasts, Dudhwa’s mosaic of forests and wetlands serves as a living laboratory, making it one of India’s most important reptile conservation landscapes.
Lizards in Dudhwa – Climbers and Ground Dwellers
Dudhwa National Park, spread across sal forests, marshes, and grasslands, is also home to a fascinating community of lizards. Though visitors often focus on tigers, rhinos, or elephants, the reptiles of Dudhwa quietly play a vital role in keeping the ecosystem balanced. Lizards act as natural pest controllers by feeding on insects, rodents, and even smaller reptiles. At the same time, they themselves become prey for snakes, raptors, and carnivorous mammals. This dual role makes them one of the most important links in the Terai’s food chain.
Their adaptability is equally striking. Along the riverbanks, the giant Bengal Monitor can often be seen basking in the sun. On the forest floor, shiny skinks dart between leaf litter, while in the tree canopies, agile garden lizards hunt insects. Even geckos, often found near forest rest houses, emerge at dusk to prey on moths attracted to lanterns and artificial lights. Wherever you look, these reptiles are quietly ensuring that Dudhwa’s food web remains intact.
Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis) – The Giant of Dudhwa
The Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), growing up to six feet in length, is the largest lizard of Dudhwa and an unforgettable sight for visitors. At first glance, its scaly body and powerful tail often make tourists mistake it for a small crocodile. Yet, unlike its appearance, it is shy and avoids conflict unless provoked.
These monitors are opportunistic feeders — consuming everything from insects, frogs, and crabs to bird eggs, small mammals, and even carrion. Their long forked tongue, much like a snake’s, helps them track prey with remarkable accuracy. They are also excellent swimmers and burrow-diggers, often resting in underground shelters during the heat of the day. During the breeding season, males engage in dramatic upright “wrestling matches,” a spectacle that has often been compared to miniature dinosaur fights.
From a conservation perspective, the Bengal Monitor enjoys the highest legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), the same category as tigers and elephants. Although not globally endangered, they are threatened by poaching and habitat loss, making awareness campaigns around Dudhwa essential. For tourists, spotting a monitor basking on a sandy riverbank or striding across the sal forests adds a thrilling reptilian dimension to their safari.
Garden Lizards & Skinks – Small but Significant Reptiles of Dudhwa
While the Bengal Monitor dominates with size, the smaller reptiles of Dudhwa are no less important. The Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), often perched on sal branches or even the walls of rest houses, is famous for its ability to change colors during the breeding season. Males develop bright red throats and perform head-bobbing displays to attract females or warn rivals.
Beneath the canopy, tiny skinks scurry through leaf litter and soft soil, feeding on termites and crickets. Their metallic sheen makes them easy to identify, though they are often overlooked during safaris. By recycling nutrients and controlling insect populations, they quietly sustain forest health.
Geckos, on the other hand, come alive after dusk. With their specialized toe pads, they can climb walls, ceilings, and tree trunks with ease. Their nocturnal hunting of moths and other flying insects makes them an unexpected but reliable ally for pest control in the Terai landscape.
Why Lizards Matter
The abundance of lizards in Dudhwa is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. When skinks thrive, it signals rich insect diversity; when monitors flourish, it reflects a strong balance between prey and predator. For scientists, these reptiles are bio-indicators of environmental health. For photographers, they offer unique moments — from a Bengal Monitor digging a burrow to a garden lizard flashing its breeding colors. And for tourists, they add depth to a safari experience that goes far beyond the big cats.
Protected under different schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) — with the Bengal Monitor under Schedule I, and species like skinks and garden lizards under Schedule II & IV — these reptiles are legally safeguarded. Conservationists in Dudhwa are now working to highlight their role in biodiversity, ensuring that even the smaller, often ignored species get their due recognition.
Turtles & Tortoises of Dudhwa – Freshwater Sentinels
Dudhwa National Park is not only famous for its tigers and rhinos but also for its remarkable diversity of freshwater turtles and tortoises. The wetlands, oxbow lakes, and rivers of the Terai region provide ideal habitats for these ancient reptiles, which act as nature’s water purifiers and balance-keepers. Their slow yet steady presence supports the park’s food chain — as algae controllers, scavengers, and seed dispersers.
At the heart of this diversity is the Girwa River in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most important strongholds for freshwater turtles in India. This river sustains rare and endangered species that have vanished from much of their former range due to pollution, poaching, and habitat loss. Conservation efforts by the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department have made Katarniaghat a lifeline for threatened turtles.
For visitors, spotting a turtle basking on a log in the Suheli or Girwa River is a memorable sight. While crocodiles grab more attention, these shy reptiles quietly play a vital role in the Terai ecosystem. Their survival is a reminder that conservation in Dudhwa is not just about big cats, but also about protecting the smaller species that silently keep ecosystems alive.
Three-striped Roofed Turtle (Batagur dhongoka) – A Jewel of the Girwa River
The Three-striped Roofed Turtle is one of the rarest freshwater turtles of South Asia and a flagship species of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Found mainly in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, it is easily identified by the three bright yellow stripes running along its head and neck.
Habitat: Prefers slow-moving rivers, oxbow lakes, and sandy riverbanks of the Girwa, where females lay their eggs during summer.
Ecological role: Feeds on aquatic vegetation, insects, and mollusks, helping to keep rivers clean.
Conservation status: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Once on the brink of extinction due to poaching, sand mining, and fishing nets, the species is now recovering thanks to targeted conservation programs. The UP Forest Department and TSA have created nesting sites, protection patrols, and head-starting programs, making Katarniaghat one of the last strongholds for this species in India.
For tourists, spotting this turtle during a boat safari on the Girwa River is considered one of the most special reptile encounters in Dudhwa.
Indian Roofed Turtle (Pangshura tecta) – The Common Sentinel
The Indian Roofed Turtle is the most widespread freshwater turtle of northern India and is commonly seen in rivers, ponds, and oxbow lakes across Dudhwa National Park and its surrounding wetlands. Unlike its rarer cousin, it is easy to identify with its raised, roof-like carapace and colorful markings on the head and shell.
Habitat: Thrives in slow-flowing rivers like the Suheli and Ghagra, as well as marshes and flooded grasslands.
Diet: Omnivorous — feeds on aquatic plants, algae, insects, small fish, and carrion.
Conservation status: Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.
Though more adaptable than the Three-striped Roofed Turtle, this species also faces threats from illegal pet trade, habitat shrinkage, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets. For visitors, its frequent basking on logs or sandbanks makes it one of the easiest reptiles to observe on a Dudhwa safari.
Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica)
The Indian Softshell Turtle, also called the Ganges Softshell Turtle, is one of the largest freshwater turtles found in India and an important resident of the wetlands in Dudhwa National Park and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. Unlike the hard-shelled roofed turtles, the softshell has a flattened, leathery carapace, giving it a unique appearance and allowing it to glide swiftly through the water. With its snorkel-like nose and paddle-shaped limbs, it is perfectly adapted to a fully aquatic lifestyle.
In Dudhwa, the Indian Softshell Turtle is most often found in the Girwa, Suheli, and Mohana rivers, as well as oxbow lakes and floodplain wetlands. It prefers deep, sandy-bottomed rivers where it can burrow and remain hidden for hours, surfacing only to breathe. Its diet is highly varied — ranging from aquatic plants and fish to carrion — making it an important scavenger species that helps keep water bodies clean.
Despite its ecological role, the softshell turtle faces serious threats. It is often hunted for its meat and cartilage, while sand mining, river pollution, and habitat disturbance add to its decline. As a result, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and receives full protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Conservation programs in Katarniaghat have been particularly important for its survival, with efforts by the UP Forest Department and Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) India to monitor nesting sites and reduce illegal poaching.
For tourists, spotting a softshell turtle can be challenging, as they spend most of their time underwater. However, patient visitors on boat rides in Katarniaghat may catch a glimpse of one surfacing briefly or basking on sandbanks during quiet afternoons. For researchers, the Indian Softshell Turtle represents not only a keystone species of the Terai rivers but also a reminder of how fragile wetland ecosystems are in the face of human pressures.
Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata)
The Indian Flapshell Turtle is one of the most adaptable freshwater turtles of India and a common resident of the wetlands, ponds, and seasonal marshes across the Terai, including Dudhwa National Park and its buffer villages. Its name comes from the unique flap-like extensions of skin that cover and protect its limbs when it retracts into its shell — a natural defense mechanism against predators. With a smooth, oval carapace dotted with small yellow spots, the flapshell is easy to distinguish from the roofed and softshell turtles of the park.
Unlike some of the rarer turtle species of Dudhwa, the flapshell is highly adaptable to different habitats. It can survive in rivers, ponds, agricultural canals, and even temporary rain-fed pools. This flexibility allows it to endure harsh dry seasons by burrowing into the mud and entering a state of dormancy, re-emerging when water returns. Its diet is equally varied, consisting of insects, small fish, aquatic plants, carrion, and even snails, making it an important species for controlling pests and recycling nutrients in wetland ecosystems.
The Indian Flapshell Turtle is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but in many areas, its population is declining due to illegal poaching for meat, road kills during seasonal migrations, and wetland destruction. It is legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ensuring the same level of protection as more threatened species like the gharial and tiger.
For visitors to Dudhwa, the flapshell is often the most likely turtle to be spotted, especially during monsoon and winter months when water levels are stable. They are commonly seen basking in groups along the edges of wetlands, often alongside roofed turtles and waterbirds. For researchers, their abundance makes them an excellent indicator species for monitoring the health of both natural and man-made wetlands in and around the park.
Crowned River Turtle (Hardella thurjii)
The Crowned River Turtle, also known as the Brown Roofed Turtle, is one of the more elusive freshwater turtles found in the Terai floodplains of Dudhwa National Park. Named for the distinctive raised “crown-like” ridge along its shell, this turtle is rarely seen by casual visitors, making it one of the hidden treasures of Dudhwa’s reptile diversity. It prefers deep rivers, oxbow lakes, and backwater channels, especially in areas of the Girwa and Suheli river systems.
Unlike the basking roofed turtles, the Crowned River Turtle is more reclusive in behavior, often spending long hours submerged in deep pools and surfacing quietly to breathe. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation, algae, mollusks, and detritus, making it an important grazer and recycler in the aquatic ecosystem. By feeding on decaying matter and plants, it helps keep river systems clean and balanced.
The species is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Its biggest threats in the Terai include sand mining, water pollution, accidental fishing net captures, and habitat fragmentation. Since it is less visible compared to other turtles, conservation awareness for this species has been limited. However, field studies by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and collaborating NGOs have confirmed healthy populations in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, making it one of the last strongholds of the species in northern India.
For tourists, spotting the Crowned River Turtle is rare but rewarding. Those who embark on boat rides in Katarniaghat or riverside safaris may occasionally glimpse one basking quietly or slipping into the water. For wildlife researchers, however, this turtle represents an indicator of pristine aquatic habitats, since it can only survive in undisturbed, pollution-free river systems.
Indian Tent Turtle (Pangshura tentoria)
The Indian Tent Turtle is one of the most common freshwater turtles in the rivers and wetlands of Dudhwa National Park. It gets its name from the characteristic tent-like raised shape of its carapace, which looks peaked when viewed from the side. This small to medium-sized turtle is often seen basking in groups on rocks, logs, or sandbanks along rivers such as the Suheli and Girwa, making it one of the easiest turtles for tourists to spot during safaris or boat rides.
The Indian Tent Turtle is a diurnal species, spending much of the day basking in the sun to regulate body temperature before diving back into the water to forage. Its diet is largely omnivorous — feeding on aquatic plants, algae, small invertebrates, insects, and sometimes carrion. By grazing on both plant matter and animal remains, the species plays a valuable role in maintaining wetland health.
Though relatively widespread compared to some of Dudhwa’s rarer turtles, the Indian Tent Turtle still faces pressures from illegal collection for the pet trade, fishing-related deaths, and shrinking riverbank habitats. It is legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, placing it in the same protection category as the gharial. Globally, it is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but localized threats in the Terai mean its populations must be carefully monitored.
For tourists and birdwatchers in Dudhwa, the Indian Tent Turtle is often a delightful sight, adding life to riversides already busy with storks, herons, and kingfishers. For researchers, it acts as a bio-indicator species, since its presence signals relatively clean and undisturbed aquatic habitats.
Unlike the basking roofed turtles, the Crowned River Turtle is more reclusive in behavior, often spending long hours submerged in deep pools and surfacing quietly to breathe. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation, algae, mollusks, and detritus, making it an important grazer and recycler in the aquatic ecosystem. By feeding on decaying matter and plants, it helps keep river systems clean and balanced.
The species is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is legally protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Its biggest threats in the Terai include sand mining, water pollution, accidental fishing net captures, and habitat fragmentation. Since it is less visible compared to other turtles, conservation awareness for this species has been limited. However, field studies by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and collaborating NGOs have confirmed healthy populations in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, making it one of the last strongholds of the species in northern India.
For tourists, spotting the Crowned River Turtle is rare but rewarding. Those who embark on boat rides in Katarniaghat or riverside safaris may occasionally glimpse one basking quietly or slipping into the water. For wildlife researchers, however, this turtle represents an indicator of pristine aquatic habitats, since it can only survive in undisturbed, pollution-free river systems.
Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia hurum)
The Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle is one of the most striking freshwater turtles of the Terai wetlands, and an important but lesser-known resident of Dudhwa National Park and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. It gets its name from the unique peacock-eye-like markings on its carapace, which are especially visible in younger individuals. This feature makes it distinct from the more common Indian Softshell Turtle. With its broad, flat body and snorkel-like nose, the peacock softshell is perfectly adapted for an aquatic lifestyle in the slow-flowing rivers and oxbow lakes of Dudhwa.
Unlike some of the basking turtle species, this softshell is more secretive in behavior, often spending long hours buried under sand or mud at the bottom of rivers, surfacing quietly for air. It is primarily carnivorous, feeding on fish, amphibians, mollusks, and occasionally carrion, making it an essential predator in the aquatic food chain. Its feeding behavior also helps keep fish populations balanced and rivers clean.
The Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and enjoys the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Major threats include illegal poaching for meat and traditional medicine, habitat loss from sand mining, and pollution of rivers. However, conservation efforts in Katarniaghat, supported by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and turtle-focused NGOs, have identified the area as one of the most critical habitats for this species in India.
For visitors to Dudhwa, spotting the peacock softshell is a rare and exciting event. Most sightings occur during boat rides in Katarniaghat, where the turtles may be seen surfacing for air or basking on quiet sandbanks. For conservationists, its presence is a flagship sign of healthy river ecosystems, since this species cannot thrive in disturbed or polluted waters.
Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle (Chitra indica)
The Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world, and a rare jewel of the Terai floodplains. Known for its long, pointed snout and flat, pancake-like shell with intricate reticulated patterns, this species is perfectly adapted for a life of stealth in rivers. Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, is regarded as one of the most important habitats for this critically endangered species in India.
Unlike basking turtles that are easily spotted, the Narrow-headed Softshell spends much of its time buried under sand at the river bottom, lying in wait like an ambush predator. With its snorkel-like snout just above the surface, it strikes with lightning speed at passing fish, making it one of the most specialized hunters of the Ganga–Brahmaputra river system. Its diet mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, making it a key top predator of riverine ecosystems.
This species can grow to an incredible 110–120 cm in shell length and weigh over 100 kg, making it one of the heaviest turtles in Asia. Despite its massive size, it is rarely seen, which adds to its mysterious aura. For researchers and conservationists, even a single sighting is considered significant.
The Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Its population has suffered steep declines due to sand mining, river pollution, overfishing, accidental net entanglement, and poaching for meat and traditional medicine. Conservation programs by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, supported by MoEFCC and NGOs, have focused on protecting nesting beaches in Katarniaghat and reducing fishing-related threats.
For tourists, spotting this elusive turtle during a boat ride on the Girwa River is a rare privilege and a reminder of the fragile treasures hidden within Dudhwa’s wetlands. For ecologists, its survival is directly tied to the health of large river systems, making its protection a matter of both biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Conservation & Challenges – Protecting Dudhwa’s Reptiles
Reptiles in Dudhwa National Park and its adjoining sanctuaries face several challenges that threaten their survival. The delicate riverine and wetland habitats of species like the gharial, mugger crocodile, and softshell turtles are under pressure from riverbank erosion, deforestation, and human encroachment. Expansion of agriculture and settlements around the Terai forests often leads to shrinking nesting grounds and feeding areas for turtles and crocodiles.
Another major challenge is illegal poaching and wildlife trade. Monitor lizards are hunted for their skin and fat, softshell turtles for meat and traditional medicine, and snakes like the cobra and krait for their venom. Despite strict laws under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, black-market demand continues to be a significant threat.
Fishing practices in rivers such as the Girwa and Suheli also pose risks. Fishing nets often entangle gharials and freshwater turtles, leading to accidental deaths. The issue is compounded by pollution and sand mining, which degrade breeding habitats. For snakes, especially venomous ones, human-wildlife conflict near villages remains a concern, as locals often kill snakes out of fear.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, supported by NGOs like WWF India and Turtle Survival Alliance, has launched several initiatives. Anti-poaching patrols, community awareness programs, and gharial breeding projects in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary have shown positive results. Turtle hatchling monitoring and head-starting projects are ongoing, and in 2025 the UP Forest Department expanded turtle conservation zones with new monitoring programs (RRA-3 and RRA-4) to safeguard nesting sites.
Despite these efforts, continuous conservation action is needed. Protecting reptiles is not only about saving individual species — it is about maintaining the ecological balance of Dudhwa’s rivers, wetlands, and forests, where these cold-blooded guardians play a vital role.
Unlike basking turtles that are easily spotted, the Narrow-headed Softshell spends much of its time buried under sand at the river bottom, lying in wait like an ambush predator. With its snorkel-like snout just above the surface, it strikes with lightning speed at passing fish, making it one of the most specialized hunters of the Ganga–Brahmaputra river system. Its diet mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, making it a key top predator of riverine ecosystems.
This species can grow to an incredible 110–120 cm in shell length and weigh over 100 kg, making it one of the heaviest turtles in Asia. Despite its massive size, it is rarely seen, which adds to its mysterious aura. For researchers and conservationists, even a single sighting is considered significant.
The Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Its population has suffered steep declines due to sand mining, river pollution, overfishing, accidental net entanglement, and poaching for meat and traditional medicine. Conservation programs by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, supported by MoEFCC and NGOs, have focused on protecting nesting beaches in Katarniaghat and reducing fishing-related threats.
For tourists, spotting this elusive turtle during a boat ride on the Girwa River is a rare privilege and a reminder of the fragile treasures hidden within Dudhwa’s wetlands. For ecologists, its survival is directly tied to the health of large river systems, making its protection a matter of both biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Quick Conservation Highlights – Reptiles of Dudhwa
- Anti-Poaching Patrols – Regular forest department teams monitor hotspots in Dudhwa and Katarniaghat to prevent hunting and illegal trade.
- Gharial Breeding Program – Special focus in Katarniaghat, with hatchlings reared and released into the Girwa River.
- Turtle Conservation Zones – In 2025, UP Forest Dept. approved RRA-3 & RRA-4 sites to safeguard nesting areas.
- Community Awareness Drives – WWF India and local NGOs train villagers to reduce human–wildlife conflict, especially with snakes and crocodiles.
- Fishing Net Monitoring – Campaigns to prevent gharial and turtle deaths from accidental entanglement.
- Eco-Tourism & Research – Wildlife tourism and scientific studies help fund and support reptile conservation in the Terai landscape.
FAQs of Reptiles of Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa is home to several freshwater turtle species, most notably the Three-striped Roofed Turtle (Batagur dhongoka) and the Indian Roofed Turtle (Pangshura tecta), found in the rivers, wetlands, and oxbow lakes of the Terai.
The best sightings are along the Girwa River in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and the Suheli River in Dudhwa core zone, especially during boat safaris and sunny afternoons when turtles bask on sandbanks and logs.
Turtles act as aquatic cleaners by feeding on algae, carrion, and insects, which helps maintain water quality. They also disperse seeds and serve as prey for crocodiles, raptors, and large fish.
The Three-striped Roofed Turtle is classified as Endangered (IUCN Red List), while the Indian Roofed Turtle is listed as Near Threatened. Both are legally protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The Girwa River in Katarniaghat is one of India’s last strongholds for roofed turtles. It provides sandy banks for nesting and supports stable populations despite threats from poaching and habitat loss.
Key threats include poaching for the illegal pet trade, habitat loss due to sand mining, accidental fishing net entanglement, and pollution in rivers and wetlands.
Yes, turtles are often seen basking on riverbanks or floating in calm waters during jeep and boat safaris in Dudhwa, especially in winter and summer when water levels are lower.
It is one of the rarest freshwater turtles in South Asia, identified by its three yellow stripes on the head and neck. Dudhwa’s Katarniaghat Sanctuary is among the few places in the world where it still survives.
The Indian Roofed Turtle is more common and adaptable, found in ponds, rivers, and marshes, while the Three-striped Roofed Turtle is rarer, restricted to larger rivers like the Girwa, and faces higher extinction risk.
Yes, both species are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Three-striped Roofed Turtle is listed under Schedule I, giving it the same level of protection as tigers and rhinos.
The best season is winter to early summer (November–May), when turtles are most active basking on riverbanks and sandbars. During the monsoon (July–October), the park remains closed.
The U.P. Forest Department, in collaboration with the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), has created protected nesting sites, anti-poaching patrols, and release programs to ensure turtle survival in the Terai.