Distribution of freshwater turtles in Punjab, Pakistan

A total of 3528 specimens of freshwater turtles belonging to two families viz., Geoemydidae (brown river turtle, Kachuga smithi; Indian saw-backed turtle, K. tecta; Brahminy river turtle, Hardella thurgi; spotted pond turtle, Geoclemys hamiltonii) and Trionychidae (Indian soft-shell turtle, Aspederates gangeticus; peacock soft-shell turtle, A. hurum; narrow-headed soft-shell turtle, Chitra indica; Indian flap-shell turtle, Lissemys punciata) were identified. Kachuga smithi (43.62%) and K. tecta (42.06%) had abundant population status, whereas, Hardella thurgi (0.88%) and Chitra indica (0.54%) were rare. Capturing of turtles for supply to foreigners and export is a major threat to these animals. Fishermen also kill them during fishing. Canal closure and de-silting is also harmful to turtles. It is concluded that it is necessary to provide immediate legal protection/coverage to all turtle species under the Punjab Wildlife Act, 1974, Pakistan; otherwise turtle species will become extinct.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Akbar, Muhammad, Mushtaq-ul-Hassan, Muhammad, u-Nisa, Zaib
Format:	article biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	2006
Subjects:	Biology, Distribution, Freshwater, Turtles, Kachuga smithi, Kachuga tecta, Hardella thurgi, Geoclemys hamiltonii, Trionychidae, Aspederates gangeticus, Aspederates hurum, Chitra indica, Lissemys punciata,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/1834/36502
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