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13th April 2024 (11 Topics)

Softshell turtle (family Trionychidae)

Context

Turtle mascot ‘Mohan Babu’ adopted for Cooch Behar election to symbolise cultural significance and encourage voter turnout.

About

  • The Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica), or Ganges softshell turtle is a species of softshell turtle found in South Asia in rivers such as the Ganges, Indus and Mahanadi.
  • It feeds mostly on fish, amphibians, carrion and other animal matter, but also takes aquatic plants.
  • This turtle is listed in part II of Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
  • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

About Election Mascot

  • Locals revere black softshell turtles as incarnations of the Hindu deity Vishnu, naming them “Mohan.”
  • Recognizing the turtle’s significance, the Election Commission adopted “Mohan Babu” as the poll mascot for Cooch Behar.

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