LUCKNOW, April 28 -- One of the most endangered turtle species, the red-crowned roofed turtle has returned to the Ganga after 30 years. As many as 20 freshwater turtles of this species were reintroduced in the river in the western region of the state, senior forest officials said.

The species is said to be native to India, Bangladesh and Nepal.

"We have relocated 20 turtles in all. Ten males and an equal number of females, ranging between two and three years of age, were released into the river. Half of them were left upstream of the river, which is a part of Haiderpur Wetland, and half downstream, which is a part of the Hastinapur wildlife sanctuary," said Rajesh Kumar, the divisional forest officer of Meerut on Sunday.

Known by its b...