Biodiversity Gallery

Melanochelys tricarinata is popularly known as the tricarinate hill turtle. It is locally known as Bamuni Dura in Assam. It is a small (carapace length up to 17.4 cm), entirely terrestrial turtle from the deciduous and evergreen forests and riverine grasslands. The species has been from Manas National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Burachapari Wildlife Sanctuary and forest areas of Kamrup district. It is mostly active during nighttime; captive individuals feed on vegetables, wild fruits, different species of snails and crabs. It is reported that 3 to 6 eggs are laid by the females in a single clutch and the incubation period is 60-72 days. Hatching takes place during April to May. Nesting occurs during winter months in Assam.