Biodiversity Gallery

The Indian eyed turtle (Morenia petersi) is locally known as Bangla Dura in Assam. It is a small freshwater turtle (carapace length to 22.2 cm) with fairly restricted distribution in northern, eastern and northeastern India, southern Nepal and Bangladesh. It inhabits both in standing and slow-moving water bodies. There are three records from the protected areas of Assam, viz., Deepor Beel Ramsar Site, Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. It has been further observed in the Orang National Park in Assam. It is exclusively herbivorous in the wild, with jaw surfaces highly specialized for folivory habit. It lays a single clutch of 6-10 elongated eggs during winter.