10/20/08
Freshwater turtle endangered by drought
Link: http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=142038
Freshwater turtle endangered by drought
Monday, October 20, 2008
By Jan Khaskheli
Karachi
The already endangered species of freshwater turtles are now also threatened by the persistent shortage of water, dying lakes, increasing drought and climate change.
Wildlife specialists have identified eight species of the most neglected freshwater turtles in the province, which include four soft water shell turtles and four hard shell turtles. According to them River Indus and River Ganga (Ganges) are gene pools of this lovely creature. Apart from this, these turtles also inhabit in Ravi, Sutlaj, Chenab and Jehlum rivers in Punjab. However, in Sindh these turtles can be found in freshwater bodies spreading from Kashmore to Keti Bunder.
The Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) along with Worldwide Fund (WWF) after a comprehensive survey of the most neglected freshwater turtles in the province is preparing a report which aims to explain how to protect these creatures from visible threats to their lives. About the peculiarity, the wildlife specialists say that these turtles come out of water for resting, to nest and migrate from one water body to another for protection in case of increasing pollution or water level decline. Their population splits from river Indus to other tributaries and canals and reaches lakes. They also travel through canals and watercourses up to paddy fields and fish farms.
The specialists believe that rain and melting glaciers are the main source of replenishment for these rivers, lakes and canals. However, persistent water decline has affected the breeding of these small-sized turtles. Some of the species are omnivores�eating vegetables, fish and meat�while others are carnivores�eating only meat.
Some conservationists feared that due to unchecked poaching and smuggling some species have become endangered in Pakistan. There are laws for the prevention of wildlife abuse, one such law entails a ban on hunting of listed species. The fine usually goes up to Rs15,000 with one-year imprisonment. However, the conservationists explain that it depends on the department how much fine they fix on different species.
Again, there has been a public outcry by wildlife-lovers against the leniency by the department officials, deployed at different posts to ensure the safety of wildlife species are safe in the areas under their jurisdictions. Turtles, being reptiles should come under the law for other species, whose poaching and export is banned, they emphasised.
The specialists explain that the spotted pond turtle, crowned river turtle and Afghan tortoise are some well known species, which are included in the IUCN Red Data Book�s list of internationally threatened species. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) seeks the recommendations from the Wildlife department about the animals and birds every year before designing export and import policy, they said. But, according to reports, freshwater turtles are under threat as exporters and smugglers are violating the international obligations � under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).
The report further states that export has now become a major industry. Several locals have taken up turtle catching as a full time job, working for various exporters. Turtle leather and shells are also in demand. Though Pakistan may have taken steps for sea turtle conservation, nothing has been done to save the freshwater species, which are found in the country�s canals, numerous lakes and rivers.
Officials from the TDAP advise the setting up of turtle farms, without which freshwater turtles will soon disappear from the country. The bulk of turtle exports, worth millions of dollars, are destined for Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, China and Taiwan where the soft shells and chest pellicles of the turtles are in the manufacture of Traditional Chinese Medicines. The practitioners of these medicines believe that the turtle shells are highly effective for purifying blood and curing several diseases.
Wildlife specialists have advised the setting up of turtle farms, without which these freshwater turtles will soon disappear from the country.
The team recently visited freshwater bodies of the province of Sindh and found availability of the turtles, but said that they are most neglected and need proper protection.
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