Chelonian status and conservation in Rajasthan

Abstract

This chapter describes Rajasthan as the abode of 11 species of chelonians, out of them, 10 are freshwater species and one is a land form. The Indo-Gangetic plains bordering the eastern and southern parts of the state, especially the Chambal River, favours their survival. The Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata is distributed all over the state and many species, especially the hard-shelled turtles are restricted to the Chambal River. The distribution, behaviour, biology, life cycle and conservation status of each species has been concisely described. Like other parts of the country, data on the ecology of turtles is scanty in Rajasthan too. Information on the biology of Indian fl apshell and a few species of hard-shelled turtles is largely known from studies conducted at the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, and the Chambal River. Unlike other animals, turtles are not much exploited in Rajasthan. However, nomads and some underprivileged communities do consume turtles for subsistence. The Indian Star Tortoises are reportedly collected illegally for trade from the arid zones of the state; therefore, vigilance by enforcing authorities is suggested. All soft-shelled and a few hard-shelled species are protected by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2006. Conservation status, habitat protection and further research on turtles in the state are also brie fl y discussed.