Red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 11052044

The individual project is based in Karnali River lowlands in western Nepal. This section of the river lies between two biodiversity rich protected areas in India and Nepal; Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India and Bardia National Park in Nepal. The project targets Batagur kachuga (IUCN Critically Endangered). River sections of the Karnali River within these two protected areas are comparatively safe for aquatic animals whereas this aquatic corridor which connects the two protected areas is encroached with human activities such as high fishing, traditional gold extraction from the banks, resource extraction and illegal poaching as it provides a source of livelihood for the surrounding communities. Thus it is crucial to assess the status and threats to aquatic biodiversity in this stretch of the river section and address them accordingly.