Black Softshell Turtle: Extinct in the Wild
The Black Softshell Turtle (scientific name: Nilssonia nigricans) is a fresh water turtle that has a conservation status of ‘Extinct in the Wild’. Rare sightings have been reported in recent years.
AIOxm releases a t-shirt that celebrates the Black Softshell Turtle, also called the Botsami Turtle. This t‐shirt is a part of our ‘Endangered Species Project’. Other species featured in the project include Western Black Rhinoceros (Extinct), Vaquita (Critically Endangered), Wallace’s Golden Birdwing (Endangered), Snowy Owl (Vulnerable), Black-necked Stork (Near Threatened), Satanic Leaf-tailed Gecko (Least Concern) and more.
The T‐shirt
- The front of this t‐shirt features original artwork depicting the Black Softshell Turtle.
- The back of the t‐shirt depicts the word ‘EXTINCT IN THE WILD’ in bold, along with the common name, the scientific name and the conservation status on a scale.
The Species
The Black Softshell Turtle (scientific name: Nilssonia nigricans) is a species of fresh water turtle that was originally assumed to be a native of India’s Brahmaputra river. While their official conservation status is ‘Extinct in the Wild’, a rare sighting of these turtles was reported from north-east India, and conservation efforts were made to revive them (outcome not clear). Increasingly hostile environmental conditions have taken this species to the brink.
Role in Ecology
Turtles were one of the earliest reptiles on Earth: they co-existed with dinosaurs and survived the meteoric impacts that wiped out the dinosaurs. Their populations are usually higher in tropical and lower temperate regions. They play an important role in the ecology of their habitat by acting as scavengers and helping to maintain aquatic vegetation. Turtles spend a number of years developing a hard shell for survival, and can take long to attain sexual maturity. This trait decreases their survivability in an increasingly hostile natural environment.
Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity (or Biological Diversity) is a term that describes the variety of living beings on earth, and includes diversity across species, within species, and across ecosystems. It is vital to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. The estimates for the number of species on Earth vary, and a 2011 study put the count at 8.7 million.
To buy this t-shirt, or see our entire series, visit our store on Amazon.com.
