Preliminary investigation on morphometrics and habitat of the Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata (Bonnaterre, 1789) (Reptilia: Trionychidae) in rural wetlands of Alappuzha, Kerala, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9680.17.11.27970-27975Keywords:
Conservation, environmental stressors, field surveys, human exploitation, late maturity, protected areas, population decline, reproductive output, species management, water qualityAbstract
Turtles require significant conservation attention due to their low reproductive output and delayed maturity. We analysed the morphometry of Flap-shell Turtle Lissemys punctata from selected wetland sites in Alappuzha District, Kerala, India, to address the problem of suboptimal habitats for the species outside protected areas. Information was collected through surveys of local inhabitants, and live specimens. From our surveys in 11 sites that were identified as the habitats for Black Pond Terrapin Melanochelys trijuga and L. punctata, M. trijuga was predominantly found in Mannarassala (Haripad) and L. punctata in Karthikappally. Our preliminary morphometric analysis revealed potential links between shell dimensions and the wetland’s water quality, contributing to habitat assessment and species management. Our questionnaire study indicated a decline in L. punctata population, primarily due to their exploitation for food and medicinal purposes, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to ensure the species’ survival outside protected areas.
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