Indian Black Turtle

The Indian black turtle, also known as the Indian pond terrapin, is a medium-sized freshwater turtle widely distributed across South Asia. Despite its common name, the species exhibits considerable variation in colouration and form across its range. It is an adaptable reptile found in diverse aquatic habitats and represents one of the most recognisable chelonian species in the Indian subcontinent.

Physical Description

The shell of the Indian black turtle is typically coloured in shades of dark brown, green or grey, rather than purely black. Subspecific variation is particularly evident in head markings.

• M. t. coronata displays a distinctive yellow spot on the head.
• M. t. trijuga and M. t. indopeninsularis possess pink spotting patterns.

The average carapace length is approximately six inches, while the full body length may reach around one foot. Juveniles and adults display strong adaptive colouration suited to their aquatic environments.

Distribution and Habitat

The species is broadly distributed throughout India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives, and it is also found in the Chagos Archipelago, where it may have been introduced. Five recognised subspecies show overlapping geographical ranges:

• M. t. trijuga – Peninsular black turtle (India)
• M. t. coronata – Cochin black turtle (India)
• M. t. indopeninsularis – Bangladesh black turtle (India, Nepal)
• M. t. parkeri – Sri Lanka
• M. t. thermalis – Sri Lanka black turtle (India, Maldives, Sri Lanka)

The Indian black turtle occupies a wide spectrum of aquatic habitats including ponds, marshes, streams, rivers and even artificial wetlands such as rice paddies and watering holes. Its ecological flexibility contributes to its wide distribution.

Ecology and Behaviour

The species is generally most active during early morning and late afternoon, spending the majority of the day basking. Subspecies found in Sri Lanka, however, often retreat underground during the day.
Indian black turtles thrive in varied aquatic settings, from still to flowing water, and may inhabit environments that are only seasonally inundated. They are omnivorous, feeding on aquatic vegetation, small animals and carrion. Groups of individuals have been observed gathering near large animal carcasses, suggesting opportunistic scavenging behaviour.

Reproduction

Reproductive activity is strongly seasonal. Mating preparation occurs during spring, but reproductive ability declines during the shorter days of winter. Breeding peaks in July and August, coinciding with the monsoon.
Male turtles become highly aggressive during this period, chasing and biting females around the neck before mating. Copulation occurs with the male positioned atop the female. After fertilisation, the female excavates a nest using her hind legs, sometimes even selecting piles of rhinoceros or elephant dung as nesting sites.
Females lay two to six clutches per year in burrows, each clutch containing several eggs. Nesting behaviours show both ingenuity and adaptability to environmental conditions.

Conservation Status

Threat levels vary across the species’ range, with certain populations facing considerable pressure. Although not classified as severely imperilled in all areas, the species shares many risks common to other regional freshwater turtles:

• Overharvesting for meat and the pet trade
• Slow maturation, taking many years to reach reproductive age
• Low reproductive output, which limits population recovery
• Illegal trade, often conducted through long-standing family networks that continue despite penalties
• Habitat disturbance, particularly in agricultural and riparian regions