A study of status and recent conservation measures of sindh province freshwater turtles

Abstract

In Pakistan populations of freshwater turtles are extensively declining due to anthropogenic activities. In this study, seven districts of Sindh included Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Dadu, Khairpur, Sanghar and Sukkur were selected for the study of distribution and population status of freshwater turtles. Data of one year i.e. 2017 collected from selected study sites. The mean percentage data from selected districts of Sindh for the year 2017 included Hardella thurji (15.33%) Pangshura tecta (14.86%), Lissemys punctata (14.19%), Pangshura smithii (15.36%), Nilssonia hurum (11.82%), Nilssonia gangeticus (9.30%), Geoclemys hamiltonii (10.44%), and Chitra indica (8.70%). Pangshura smithii (15.36%) found as most common while Chitra indica (8.70%) found as least sighted species. Illegal trade, poaching, over exploitation, habitat destruction and pollution found to be affecting their population status.