Classification of Kachuga tactum (Roofed Terrapin)
- Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
- Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
- Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
- Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
- Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
- Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
- Sub Class :- Anapsida (Primitive reptiles. Skull completely roofed over.)
- Order :- Chelonia (Turtles, tortoises and terrapins.)
- Suborder :- Thecophora (Thoracic vertebrae and ribs fused to carapace.)
- Family :- Testudinidae (Toes not webbed, hindlegs cylindrical, shell high.)
- Genus :- Kachuga tactum : Roofed Terrapin
Geographical distribution
Kachuga is distributed in Indian rivers, specially Ganges. Eocene to Recent.
Habit and habitat
Kachuga is commonly found in rivers. They concentrate especially at bathing places and also at places where dead bodies are disposed in water. Their food consists of both plants and animals
General Characteristics of Kachuga tactum (Roofed Terrapin)
- It is an armoured reptile showing gradation between terrestrial and aquatic extremes.
- Head contains mouth, eyes and nares.
- Body is encased in carapace-plastron box.
- Body divided into head, neck, trunk and tail.
- First three neural plates of the carapace are produced into backwardly directed neural plate spines.
- Outer surface consists of leathery skin.
- Head, tail and limbs can be completely withdrawn within carapace and plastron.
- Head contains mouth, nostril and eyes. contains several crests and is brightly coloured.
- Eyes are provided with eyelids and nictitating membrane.
- Limbs terminate into clawed and webbed digits. Tail stumpy.
Identification
Since this tortoise contains dorsal spines and above features, hence it is Kachuga tactum.
