The rare sighting of a softshell turtle at an altitude of 2,950 feet in Bageshwar district has prompted the state forest department to consider conducting a survey.
The softshell turtle was spotted in a seasonal stream, locally known as 'gadhera', by a resident of Bhanartoli village.
Forest officials said the species is generally found in plains and riverine ecosystems, and the sighting indicates the possible impact of changing climatic and anthropogenic conditions on species.
The turtle was taken to the divisional forest office for a medical examination and was later released back into its natural habitat.
The softshell turtle is listed in Part II of Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, which provides the highest level of protection to wildlife species in India.
Forest officials are considering conducting a survey in the surrounding area to determine whether more such turtles are present there.
