Most of the Indian freshwater turtles are distributed in the larger river systems of the Indo-Gangetic plain. The examples of freshwater turtles are the Indian mud turtle (Lissemys punctata), chitra turtle (Chitra indica) and ganges softshell turtle (Aspideretes gangeticus). Marine turtles remain in water except in breeding season. They have paddleshaped limbs. The front limbs are longer than hind limbs. Unlike freshwater turtles, the marine turtles can not retract their heads and necks into the shells. Out of seven species, India is blessed with five species of marine turtles. They are the loggerhead turtle (Caretta catetta), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), leather back turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas). All marine turtles have nasal glands that serve for excretion of salt.