Mysore/Mysuru: The presence of a large Softshell Turtle has baffled walkers at Kukkarahalli Lake on Wednesday morning.

Walkers, who usually spot variety of birds, butterflies, fox, crocodile, porcupine and civet cat, were surprised to see a large Softshell Turtle crossing the path in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The turtle was crossing from the lake bund towards the main road and a few walkers, who prevented the turtle from going to the main road, rescued it and have left it back                                  to the lake.

About Softshell Turtle: Softshell turtles are freshwater turtles that belong to the family Trionychidae. There are 25 species in total. These turtles are mainly found inhabiting freshwaters such as rivers, lakes and small ponds. 

They are mainly carnivorous and  actively seek out their prey or lie in wait and ambush it. These reptiles eat invertebrates, amphibians and fish, although some species are known to eat plant matter.

Unfortunately, the main threat to Softshell Turtles comes from humans. Habitat destruction and pollution not only destroy where they live but can also impact the availability of their prey.

More than half of the species of Softshell Turtles are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

These turtles have long, elongated necks, a streamlined head, and a pointed snout. The nostrils are found on the top of the snout to enable them to bury themselves in mud, sand, and shallow water and still breathe. 

These turtles have strongly webbed feet, which enable them to propel themselves through the water at surprising speeds.