India, April 6 -- The rare sighting of a softshell turtle at an altitude of around 2,950 feet (about 900 metres) in Bageshwar district has prompted the state forest department to consider conducting a survey to determine how the reptile reached the area.

According to forest officials, the presence of a softshell turtle at such a height is uncommon as the species is generally found in plains and riverine ecosystems. The finding indicates the possible impact of changing climatic and antropogenic conditions on species.

Aditya Ratna, divisional forest officer of Bageshwar, said the sighting was unusual because these turtles are typically found at lower altitudes.

"Sighting a softshell turtle at a height of around 900 metres is an uncommon ...