Population dynamics and habitat assessment of Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata vittata (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae) in Chawandiya, Rajasthan, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10141.18.5.28919-28925Keywords:
Anthropogenic disturbance, habitat suitability, hydrological stability, population monitoring, semi-protected wetland, softshell turtle, turtle conservation, water qualityAbstract
Freshwater turtles are increasingly threatened by habitat degradation, pollution, and other human disturbances, particularly in small urban and semi-urban wetlands. In the present study, the Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata vittata was monitored in Chawandiya Pond, Rajasthan, northwestern India, to understand changes in population dynamics in relation to habitat conditions and water quality. Weekly field observations using fixed transects were conducted from January 2023 to March 2025, and seasonal water-quality parameters were analysed following APHA (2017) standard methods. Observations showed a noticeable increase (~33–38 %) in turtle density during the breeding season, while a further 13–15 % rise during non-breeding periods may be linked to immigration into the pond under suitable ecological conditions. Stable hydrology, comparatively low pollution, adequate dissolved oxygen, and food availability appear to favour the persistence of the population. However, increasing anthropogenic activities and mild detergent-related pollution could become potential threats if left unmanaged. The study highlights the conservation value of semi-protected wetlands such as Chawandiya Pond and stresses the importance of continued habitat and population monitoring for freshwater turtle conservation and also proposes Chawandiya Pond as a candidate conservation site for this species.
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