Many species of chelonians (turtles, terrapians & tortoises) occur in southern India. First we consider turtles & terrapians. The aquatic / semi aquatic forms are widespread and commonly occur in all freh water systems in southern India. These turtles are carnivorous in the young stages but then switch over to herbivorous diet, when they become adult. The following species are reported. All forms are oviparous. An * indicates endemism.

Melanochelys trijuga trijuga (SCHWEIGGER, 1812)
Melanochelys trijuga coronata (ANDERSON, 1879)
Melanochelys trijuga thermalis*thermalis* (LESSON, 1830)

Vijayachelys sylvatica* (HENDERSON, 1912)

Lessiemys punctata (LACÉPÈDE, 1788)

Pelochelys cantori GRAY, 1864

The marine turtles are found in Indian coasts and seas. They come ashore periodically to lay eggs.
Lepidochelys olivacea (ESCHSCHOLTZ, 1829)
Chelonia mydas (LINNAEUS, 1758)

The land dwelling forms are rarer and are found only in some forested tracts. Poacjing and illegal collection have led to their decline. Two species of tortoises occur in southern India. One species (I. travancorica) is endemic to the Western Ghats. The other species is found throughout the peninsula in dry plains country, with scanty scrub cover.
Indotestudo travancorica* (BOULENGER, 1907)

Geochelone elegans SCHOEPF, 1795