Photo Feature
Looking towards a bright future
<p>The Cochin forest cane turtle <em>Vijayachelys silvatica</em> is India’s smallest turtle. It is easily recognised by a flattened dark bronze shell, bright yellow jaws, and a distinct red spot on its snout. Endemic to the Western Ghats across the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, this rare, omnivorous species is highly cryptic. It was rediscovered in 1982 after a 70-year disappearance, and it is now listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List owing to habitat loss and local hunting. </p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Photo: Sandeep Das.</span></strong></p>