The biology behind the cleanup
India has 29 species of freshwater turtles, and several of them are obligate scavengers, meaning their digestive systems are specifically adapted to break down decomposing flesh and organic matter that other animals avoid. The Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) and the Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) are among the species documented feeding on carrion in rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Chambal. A single adult softshell turtle can consume several kilograms of organic waste per week. Multiply that across a healthy population and the numbers become ecologically significant.
