DOCSLIB.ORG

An Inventory of Mammals, Birds and Reptiles Along a Section of the River and Banks of Upper Ganges, India

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
An Inventory of Mammals, Birds and Reptiles Along a Section of the River and Banks of Upper Ganges, India JoTT SHORT COMMUNI C ATION 4(9): 2900–2910 An inventory of mammals, birds and reptiles along a section of the river and banks of upper Ganges, India Tawqir Bashir 1, Sandeep Kumar Behera 2, Afifullah Khan 3 & Parikshit Gautam 4 1 Senior Research Fellow, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India 2 Associate Director, River Basins and Biodiversity, 4 Director, Freshwater and Wetland Division, WWF-India, 172 Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, India 3 Professor, Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202002, India Email: 1 [email protected] (corresponding author), 2 [email protected], 3 [email protected], 4 [email protected] Abstract: A study was conducted to assess faunal diversity along Aquatic ecosystems are critical components of our a 165-km stretch of the upper Ganges River between Bijnor and Narora cities, Uttar Pradesh, from January to June 2007. Both environment. In addition to being essential contributors river and bank species diversity of reptiles, birds and mammals to biodiversity and ecological productivity, they also using a combination of boat surveys, linear walks and random searches were inventoried. Presence of 18 species of mammals, provide a variety of services to human populations 55 species of birds and 13 species of reptiles were recorded (Poff et al. 2002). Rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries from the river stretch including 16 species of global conservation constituting the freshwater ecosystem alone support significance. Maximum encounter rate was observed for little cormorant (3.160±0.290), macaque (2.385±0.442) and brown about 6% of the described world species (Hawksworth roofed turtle (1.009±0.107). Our study is an attempt towards & Kalin-Arroyo 1995) and provide habitats consisting generating baseline information on the faunal diversity of the upper Ganges and we recommend exhaustive surveys and of benthic, aquatic, and terrestrial components regular monitoring of this river stretch through indicator species (FISRWG 2001). Freshwater biodiversity constitutes approach. a valuable natural resource, in economic, cultural, Keywords: Conservation, encounter rate, faunal diversity, aesthetic, scientific and educational terms (Dudgeon Ganges, monitoring. et al. 2006). However, there is an increasing concern worldwide on the loss of aquatic ecosystems and their associated biodiversity (Georges & Cottingham 2002; Saunders et al. 2002; Cullen 2003), particularly for riverine landscapes (Dunn 2004). Rivers and associated freshwater habitats are among the most Date of publication (online): 26 August 2012 Date of publication (print): 26 August 2012 threatened ecosystems of the world (Revenga et al. ISSN 0974-7907 (online) | 0974-7893 (print) 2005; WWF 2006) due to a wide range of intensive Editor: Rahul Kaul human use and developmental activities. In addition, Manuscript details: declines in biodiversity are far greater in fresh waters Ms # o2692 Received 02 February 2011 than in the most affected terrestrial ecosystems (Sala Final received 08 July 2012 et al. 2000), because inspite of facing varied threats Finally accepted 30 July 2012 and large scale exploitations, the freshwater hotspots Citation: Bashir, T., S.K. Behera, A. Khan & P. Gautam (2012). An inventory of mammals, birds and reptiles along a section of the river and banks of generally receive less management attention than their upper Ganges, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(9): 2900–2910. terrestrial counterparts (Myers et al. 2000). Moreover, Copyright: © Tawqir Bashir, Sandeep Kumar Behera, Afifullah Khan & knowledge of the diversity of fresh waters is woefully Parikshit Gautam2012. Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. JoTT allows unrestricted use of this article in any medium for non-profit incomplete and the data are insufficient to accurately purposes, reproduction and distribution by providing adequate credit to the estimate rates of freshwater biodiversity loss in many authors and the source of publication. regions (Dudgeon et al. 2006). Acknowledgements: We thank the Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, for providing the logistic sup port and River Ganges regarded as one of the largest rivers facilities necessary for conducting the recent surveys. We are grateful to coursing through 2,510km from northern to eastern WWF-India for providing the financial support and their information gathered through previous surveys. We express our gratitude to the Department of India and acting as a lifeline to the vast Indian plains Environment and Forests (Narora, Brijghat & Bijnor) for their official help and support. Last but not the least, we thank our field assistants for their is well recognised for its enormous cultural and help. economic significance (Adel 2001). It supports about OPEN ACCESS | FREE DOWNLOAD 8% of the world’s population living in its catchments 2900 Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | August 2012 | 4(9): 2900–2910 Mammals, birds and reptiles of upper Ganges T. Bashir et al. (Newby 1998) and is also a centre of social and Surveys were conducted on a motor boat powered religious tradition. Above all, the river is home to by a 15-hp engine at a constant speed of 6km/h. a wide variety of life forms ranging from primitive Surveys were done between 0600 to 1800 h which phytoplanktons to highly evolved species such as also included frequent halts at the banks generally dolphins, thus signifying its biological and ecological after every 5km on both sides of the river depending importance. Information on species diversity, abund- on their accessibility. Banks were surveyed up to 1km ance and habitat characteristics are key baseline away from the river course through linear walks (1 parameters for conservation planning; unfortunately to 1.5 km) along the river, and random searches for such information is lacking for many river segments wildlife sightings, signs and evidences by a team of of the Ganges. five observers (one researcher and four trained field A stretch of upper Ganges between Rishikesh and assistants). Further information regarding the presence Kanpur functions as an ecologically important section of various mammal and reptile species was gathered because of its hydrological characteristics (Behera through informal conversations with farmers, fishermen 1995). But, due to high regulation of dams, barrages and other people living along the banks. In addition, and associated irrigation canals, infrastructure during boat surveys opportunistic animal sightings on development, water abstraction and pollution, present- adjacent banks were also recorded. Field recordings day flow of the upper Ganga Basin has decreased by were done with naked eye and using 50×10 binoculars about 2–8 % and such a reduced flow regime also (generally for birds) followed by comparison with field impacts downstream water availability, water quality guides (Prater 1971; Ali & Ripley 1987; Grimmett et and riverine ecosystems (Salemme 2007; Behera et al. 2001; Das 2002; Menon 2003; Whitaker & Captain al. 2008; Bharati et al. 2011). Within this, a stretch 2004). Photographs were also taken wherever possible of 165km from Bijnor to Narora has been reported to as supporting evidence and later compared with field be rich in biodiversity and the only promising habitat guides and discussed with species experts for proper for the elusive species such as, Ganges River Dolphin identification. We separately calculated encounter Platanista gangetica gangetica, Smooth-coated rates (number/km) of species recorded during boat Otter Lutrogale perspicillata and Mugger Crocodile surveys and during bank searches and also generated Crocodylus palustris in the upper Ganges (Behera information on their habitat occurrence (river course, 1995; Behera & Rao 1999; Behera 2002; Bashir islands [small temporary landmasses created in the et al. 2010a). There is a knowledge gap regarding stretch due to variation in water flow speeds along the the faunal assemblage of this stretch and whatever banks], riverbeds, bank cliffs, marshlands, agricultural information is available, is in the form of casual fields and dense forests along banks) based on records records and sightings reported in least accessible and local information. Each survey of the entire formats. With this background, we conducted brief stretch along with the bank surveys took about 12–15 surveys in the stretch in an attempt towards assessing days. A total of four boat surveys (two upstream & relative abundance and habitat occurrence of species two downstream) with an effort of 660 and 116 km of (mammals, birds and reptiles) in the study stretch and bank searches were done. along its banks. Methodological considerations Material and Methods Biodiversity surveys in general are limited by a The study was conducted in a 165-km stretch of number of factors. Wetlands being dynamic systems upper Ganges, between Bijnor (29022’12.6”N & 78002’ species occurrence and detection are constrained 07.8”E) and Narora (28011’28.4”N & 78023’48.1”E) by season and time of the day due to variation in barrages in western Uttar Pradesh, India (Fig. 1), activity levels and behaviour among species (Shields between January and June, 2007. The entire study 1977; Rollfinke & Yahner 1990). Consequently, a area had an average width of 200m and was generally combination of boat surveys and ground based bank shallow with only intermittent small stretches of deep searches were conducted for estimating relative
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Proposals for Amendments to Appendices I and Ii
    CoP 16 Prop. xx CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA ______________________ Sixteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Bangkok, Thailand), March 3-14, 2013 CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS FOR AMENDMENTS TO APPENDICES I AND II A. Proposal Inclusion of the following taxa of the Family Geoemydidae in Appendix II: Cyclemys spp., Geoemyda japonica, G. spengleri, Hardella thurjii, Mauremys japonica, M. nigricans, Melanochelys trijuga, Morenia petersi, Sacalia bealei, S. quadriocellata, and Vijayachelys silvatica. This proposal is in accordance with Article II paragraph 2(a) of the Convention, satisfying Criterion B, Annex 2a of Res. Conf. 9.24 (Rev CoP15). This proposal seeks a zero quota on wild specimens for commercial purposes for the following taxa: Batagur borneoensis, B. trivittata, Cuora aurocapitata, C. flavomarginata, C. galbinifrons, C. mccordi, C. mouhotii, C. pani, C. trifasciata, C. yunnanensis, C. zhoui, Heosemys annandalii, H. depressa, Mauremys annamensis, and Orlitia borneensis. For a complete list of species see Table 1 B. Proponent People’s Republic of China and the United States of America*1 C. Supporting Statement 1. Taxonomy 1.1 Class: Reptilia By Stephen D Nash 1.2 Order: Testudines 1.3 Family: Geoemydidae Theobald 1868a 1.4 Genus, species or subspecies: * The geographical designations employed in this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the CITES Secretariat or the United Nations Environment Programme concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The responsibility for the contents of the document rests exclusively with its author.
    [Show full text]
  • Phylogenetic Relationships Within the Batagur Complex (Testudines: Emydidae: Batagurinae) Jean M
    Eastern Illinois University The Keep Masters Theses Student Theses & Publications 1993 Phylogenetic Relationships Within the Batagur Complex (Testudines: Emydidae: Batagurinae) Jean M. Capler This research is a product of the graduate program in Zoology at Eastern Illinois University. Find out more about the program. Recommended Citation Capler, Jean M., "Phylogenetic Relationships Within the Batagur Complex (Testudines: Emydidae: Batagurinae)" (1993). Masters Theses. 2114. https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/2114 This is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Theses & Publications at The Keep. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorized administrator of The Keep. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THESIS REPRODUCTION CERTIFICATE TO: Graduate Degree Candidat.es who have written formal theses. SUBJECT: Permi~sion to reproduce theses. The University Library is r~c;:eiving a number of requests from other institutions asklng permission to reproduce dissertations for inclusion in thelr library holdings. Although no copyr~ght laws are involved, we feel that professional courtesy demands that permission be obtained from the author before we allow theses to be copied. Please sign one of the following statements: Booth Library of Eastern Illinois University has my permission to lend my thesis to a reputable college or university for the purpose of copying it for inclusion in that institution's library or research holdings. Date I respectfully request Booth Library of Easter,n Illinois University not ~llow my thesis be reproduced because ---~~~~--~~~~~---........ Date Author m L Phylogenetic Relationships Within The Batagur Complex (Testudines: Emydidae: Batagurinae) (TITLE) BY Jean M. Capler THESIS SUBMITIED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF Master Of Science IN THE GRADUATE SCHOOL, EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CHARLESTON, ILLINOIS 1993 YEAR I HEREBY RECOMMEND THIS THESIS BE ACCEPTED AS FULFILLING 17 ~ \'\93 DA .
    [Show full text]
  • Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act (Chapter 92A)
    1 S 23/2005 First published in the Government Gazette, Electronic Edition, on 11th January 2005 at 5:00 pm. NO.S 23 ENDANGERED SPECIES (IMPORT AND EXPORT) ACT (CHAPTER 92A) ENDANGERED SPECIES (IMPORT AND EXPORT) ACT (AMENDMENT OF FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD SCHEDULES) NOTIFICATION 2005 In exercise of the powers conferred by section 23 of the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act, the Minister for National Development hereby makes the following Notification: Citation and commencement 1. This Notification may be cited as the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act (Amendment of First, Second and Third Schedules) Notification 2005 and shall come into operation on 12th January 2005. Deletion and substitution of First, Second and Third Schedules 2. The First, Second and Third Schedules to the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act are deleted and the following Schedules substituted therefor: ‘‘FIRST SCHEDULE S 23/2005 Section 2 (1) SCHEDULED ANIMALS PART I SPECIES LISTED IN APPENDIX I AND II OF CITES In this Schedule, species of an order, family, sub-family or genus means all the species of that order, family, sub-family or genus. First column Second column Third column Common name for information only CHORDATA MAMMALIA MONOTREMATA 2 Tachyglossidae Zaglossus spp. New Guinea Long-nosed Spiny Anteaters DASYUROMORPHIA Dasyuridae Sminthopsis longicaudata Long-tailed Dunnart or Long-tailed Sminthopsis Sminthopsis psammophila Sandhill Dunnart or Sandhill Sminthopsis Thylacinidae Thylacinus cynocephalus Thylacine or Tasmanian Wolf PERAMELEMORPHIA
    [Show full text]
  • 15Th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles
    CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 2017 15th Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles Joint Annual Meeting of the Turtle Survival Alliance and IUCN Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group Program and Abstracts August 7 - 9 2017 Charleston, SC Additional Conference Support Provided by: Kristin Berry, Herpetologiccal Review, John Iverson, Robert Krause,George Meyer, David Shapiro, Anders Rhodin, Brett and Nancy Stearns, and Reid Taylor Funding for the 2016 Behler Turtle Conservation Award Provided by: Brett and Nancy Stearns, Chelonian Research Foundation, Deb Behler, George Meyer, IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Leigh Ann and Matt Frankel and the Turtle Survival Alliance TSA PROJECTS TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE 2017 Conference Highlights In October 2016, the TSA opened the Keynote: Russell Mittermeier Tortoise Conservation Center in southern Madagascar that will provide long- Priorities and Opportunities in Biodiversity Conservation term care for the burgeoning number of tortoises seized from the illegal trade. Russell A. Mittermeier is The TSA manages over 7,800 Radiated Executive Vice Chair at Con- Tortoises in seven rescue facilities. servation International. He served as President of Conser- vation International from 1989 to 2014. Named a “Hero for the Planet” by TIME magazine, Mittermeier is regarded as a world leader in the field of biodiversity and tropical forest conservation. Trained as a primatologist and herpetologist, he has traveled widely in over 160 countries on seven continents, and has conducted field work in more than 30 − focusing particularly on Amazonia (especially Brazil The TSA-Myanmar team and our vet- and Suriname), the Atlantic forest region of Brazil, and Madagascar.
    [Show full text]
  • Proposed Amendment to 21CFR124021
    Richard Fife 8195 S. Valley Vista Drive Hereford, AZ 85615 December 07, 2015 Division of Dockets Management Food and Drug Administration 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061 Rockville, MD 20852 Reference: Docket Number FDA-2013-S-0610 Proposed Amendment to Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Volume 8 Revised as of April 1, 2015 21CFR Sec.1240.62 Dear Dr. Stephen Ostroff, M.D., Acting Commissioner: Per discussion with the Division of Dockets Management staff on November 10, 2015 Environmental and Economic impact statements are not required for petitions submitted under 21CFR Sec.1240.62 CITIZEN PETITION December 07, 2015 ACTION REQUESTED: I propose an amendment to 21CFR Sec.1240.62 (see exhibit 1) as allowed by Section (d) Petitions as follows: Amend section (c) Exceptions. The provisions of this section are not applicable to: By adding the following two (2) exceptions: (5) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs, which are sold for a retail value of $75 or more (not to include any additional turtle related apparatuses, supplies, cages, food, or other turtle related paraphernalia). This dollar amount should be reviewed every 5 years or more often, as deemed necessary by the department in order to make adjustments for inflation using the US Department of Labor, Bureau of labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index. (6) The sale, holding for sale, and distribution of live turtles and viable turtle eggs, which are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List as Extinct In Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable (IUCN threatened categorizes).
    [Show full text]
  • Brochure Reptiles, Amphibians and Insects 02
    tgka gS gfj;kyhA ogka gS jOkq'kgkyhAA Indian REPTILES AMPHIBIANS & INSECTS in CITES Appendices INSTITUTE OF FOREST GENETICS AND TREE BREEDING Maheshwar Hegde, S. Bhupathy Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education K. R. Sasidharan, T. P. Raghunath and Coimbatore - 641 002 N. Krishnakumar Dr. N. Krishnakumar, IFS Director ou vkuqoaf'kdh ,oa o`{k iztuu laLFkku Òkjrh; okfudh vuqla/kku ,oa f'k{kk ifj"kn fi-ch-ua- 1061 dks;EcRrwj 641 002 Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (An ISO 9001:2000 Certified Organisation) P.B. No. 1061, R.S. Puram, HPO., Coimbatore - 641 002, Tamil Nadu, India CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) ensures that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival in the wild. At present, 175 countries are party to this international convention and India is also a party since 1976. Roughly 5,000 species of animals and 28,000 species of plants are protected by CITES against over-exploitation through international trade. All these species are included in various CITES appendices, according to degree of protection required to regulate the trade. The Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore has been designated as one of the Scientific Authorities for CITES in India by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Govt. of India - the CITES Management Authority, in 2011. Since then, IFGTB is actively involved in various CITES related activities.
    [Show full text]
  • Testudines of India: a Review on Diversity, Threats and Conservation Initiatives S
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by ePrints@Bangalore University Review Article [Ramakrishna et al. , 5(2): Feb., 2014:3297-3304] CODEN (USA): IJPLCP ISSN: 0976-7126 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES (Int. J. of Pharm. Life Sci.) Testudines of India: A Review on Diversity, Threats and Conservation Initiatives S. Ramakrishna¹, M. Jayashankar², R. Alexander¹* and K. Avinash³ 1, Department of Zoology, Bangalore University, Bangalore, (Karnataka) - India 2, Division of Entomology and Nematology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, (Karnataka) - India 3, Research Officer, A Rocha India, Bangalore, (Karnataka) - India Abstract The present review is a collection of the available literature resources related to Testudines of India. Different aspects of diversity studies pertaining to turtles in India is presented in this review along with threats and conservation initiatives in different parts of India in different timeline. Key-Words: Testudines, India, Conservation Introduction This makes turtles as the oldest group of reptiles than 11 Turtles are reptiles placed in the order Chelonii or lizards, snakes or crocodiles . Currently there are 322 Testudines of Class Reptilia. Turtles are characterised species and 119 additional subspecies or 441 total taxa by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from of living turtles and tortoises. Among them 7 species their ribs which acts as a shield 1.Turtles are the only are marine turtles and 315 species and 434 total taxa 12 reptiles that have a shell and no teeth and are found in are of modern living freshwater and terrestrial turtles . both temperate and tropical climates 2.Turtles occur in A detailed review of different aspects of diversity different kinds of habitat, marine, freshwater and land.
    [Show full text]
  • Chelonian Advisory Group Regional Collection Plan 4Th Edition December 2015
    Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Chelonian Advisory Group Regional Collection Plan 4th Edition December 2015 Editor Chelonian TAG Steering Committee 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Mission ...................................................................................................................................... 3 Steering Committee Structure ........................................................................................................... 3 Officers, Steering Committee Members, and Advisors ..................................................................... 4 Taxonomic Scope ............................................................................................................................. 6 Space Analysis Space .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Survey ........................................................................................................................................ 6 Current and Potential Holding Table Results ............................................................................. 8 Species Selection Process Process ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Decision Tree ........................................................................................................................... 13 Decision Tree Results .............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Prevalence of Vulnerable South Asian Freshwater Turtles in the Illegal Trade
    The prevalence of vulnerable South Asian freshwater turtles in the illegal trade The prevalence of vulnerable South Asian freshwater turtles in the illegal trade The illegal trade in freshwater turtles and tortoises and one remains outstanding on INTERPOL’s Red for pets is widespread and is increasingly characte- Notice. rised as transnational, organised wildlife crime. It poses a substantial threat to numerous species, During this two-year investigation, the WJC ope- many of which are already critically endangered. ratives were offered and often directly sighted se- The demand to own live wildlife is often coupled veral species of tortoises and freshwater turtles, with a desire for rarer and harder to obtain species allowing for corroboration of species for sale. As and is particularly prevalent for freshwater tortoi- part of the evidence collection, all such instances ses and turtles as exotic pets, the latter having beco- and the species, quantity and value of these offers me one of the most threatened vertebrate groups were documented. During Operation Dragon, an globally.1 estimated minimum of 20,400 specimens deriving from 16 species of tortoises (four) and freshwater As part of the Wildlife Justice Commission’s (WJC) turtles (12) listed in Appendix I and II of the Con- mission to disrupt and help dismantle transnatio- vention on International Trade in Endangered nal criminal networks, the organisation sought to Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) were offe- tackle the freshwater turtle and tortoise trade in red for sale. While this approach made it possible Asia, which is particularly prevalent in this region. to quantify the scope of illegal trade, it also meant that species of concern not commonly seen on the Operation Dragon international market could be detected.
    [Show full text]
  • Melanochelys Trijuga (Schweigger 1812) – Indian Black Turtle
    Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation ProjectGeoemydidae of the IUCN/SSC — Tortoise Melanochelys and Freshwater trijuga Turtle Specialist Group 038.1 A.G.J. Rhodin, P.C.H. Pritchard, P.P. van Dijk, R.A. Saumure, K.A. Buhlmann, J.B. Iverson, and R.A. Mittermeier, Eds. Chelonian Research Monographs (ISSN 1088-7105) No. 5, doi:10.3854/crm.5.038.trijuga.v1.2009 © 2009 by Chelonian Research Foundation • Published 8 December 2009 Melanochelys trijuga (Schweigger 1812) – Indian Black Turtle 1 2 INDRANE I L DAS AND S. BHUPATHY 1Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia [[email protected]]; 2Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty (PO), Coimbatore 641 108, Tamil Nadu, India [[email protected]] SUMMARY . – The Indian black turtle, Melanochelys trijuga (Family Geoemydidae), is a medium- sized (carapace length to 38.3 cm), mainly still-water species from northern, northeastern, and peninsular India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, and possibly Pakistan. Six subspecies are currently recognized. The turtle has been introduced to some of the islands of the western Indian Ocean by seafarers. Omnivorous in dietary habits, the species takes aquatic plants in addition to invertebrates and carrion. Two to 16 elongated, brittle-shelled eggs are laid, with eggs and hatchlings showing considerable size variation. The species, although in no immediate danger in India, is exploited in unknown numbers for food, and population declines have been reported from Sri Lanka. DI STR ib UT I ON . – Bangladesh, China (?), India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan (?), Sri Lanka, Thailand.
    [Show full text]
  • Updated Checklist of Indian Reptiles R
    Updated Checklist of Indian Reptiles R. Aengals, V.M. Sathish Kumar & Muhamed Jafer Palot* Southern Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Chennai-600 028 *Western Ghat Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Calicut-673 006 Corresponding author: [email protected] INTRODUCTION Reptiles are cold-blooded animals found in almost all the parts of the world, except the very cold regions. In India, all the three living orders of reptiles have their representatives - Crocodylia (crocodiles), Testudines (turtles and tortoises) and Squamata (lizards and snakes). The diversified climate, varying vegetation and different types of soil in the country form a wide range of biotopes that support a highly diversified reptilian fauna. The Western Ghats, Eastern Himalaya, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are endowed with varied and unique reptilian fauna. The monumental works on Indian reptiles are, ‘The Reptiles of British India’ by Gunther (1864), ‘Fauna of British India - ‘Reptilia and Batrachia’ by Boulenger (1890) and Smith (1931, 1935, 1943). The work of Smith stood the test of time and forms the standard work on the subject. Further contributions were made by Tiwari & Biswas (1973), Sharma (1977, 1978, 1981, 1998, 2002, 2007), Murthy (1985, 1994, 2010), Das (1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003), Tikedar & Sharma (1992), Das & Bauer (2000), Das & Sengupta (2000), Daniel (2002), Whitaker and Captain (2004), Sharma (2007), Thrope et. al. (2007), Mukherjee and Bhupathy (2007), Gower and Winkler (2007), Manamendra-Arachchi et al. (2007), Das and Vijayakumar (2009), Giri (2008), Giri & Bauer (2008), Giri, et al. (2009a), Giri et al.(2009b), Zambre et al. (2009), Haralu (2010), Pook et al.(2009), Van Rooijen and Vogel (2009), Mahony (2009, 2010) and Venugopal (2010).
    [Show full text]
  • Snakes 12 Tory Or Miraculous, Many Animals Are Sacrificed Snake Venom 15 on the Universal Altar of Superstition, Even Vul- Sauria 16 Tures
    Information and analysis bulletin on animal poaching and smuggling n°3 / 1st October - 31th December 2013 Contents Introduction Seahorses Sea 3 Sea Cucumbers 3 Queen Conches 3 Welcome to the third world tour of endangered Sharks 4 species embarked in the cruel limbo and maels- Marine Mammals 4 trom of international traffic. Marine Turtles 6 Domestic Reptiles: Health Hazards 8 Supposed to be aphrodisiacs, euphoria-indu- Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises 8 cing, lucky charms, good or bad omens, divina- Snakes 12 tory or miraculous, many animals are sacrificed Snake Venom 15 on the universal altar of superstition, even vul- Sauria 16 tures. The black flood of black magic brings in Crocodilians 18 Airsickness 18 great amounts of money to those who exploit Multi-Species Reptiles 19 common naïvety and is taking a stronger role in international trafficking of animals and animal Falconry 22 parts. In that sense, anti-superstition laws that Birds 26 are starting to be enacted in India despite vio- Pangolins 30 lent and sometimes murderous reactions are, to the eyes of the « On the Trail » detectives, posi- Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Laws 34 tive steps towards progress and the respect of Primates 36 human and animal rights. Felines 39 The Bengal Tiger 43 CITES* Appendices Bears 45 Appendix I : species threatened with extinction. Zebras 47 Trade in specimens of these species is permitted Hippopotamuses 47 only in exceptional circumstances and under im- Rhinoceroses 48 port and export permits. Pollution in Kruger Park 52 Appendix II : export permit required in order to Elephants 56 avoid utilization incompatible with the species survival.
    [Show full text]