Conservation Challenges for Threatened Indian Flapshell Turtle Lissemys punctata (Lacépède, 1788) in the Largest Wetland of Bangladesh

Abstract

Freshwater habitats are losing their biodiversity more quickly than terrestrial and marine ecosystems, particularly in parts of the tropics with large human populations. Here, we analysed illegal hunting data for globally vulnerable Indian flapshell turtle Lissemys punctata in the largest wetland of Bangladesh. We identified key conservation issues for this species, along with the knowledge and attitudes of stakeholders (turtle hunters, n = 190; fishermen n = 60; agriculture farmers n = 60; fish farmers n = 60). Compared with 2007, the catch per unit of effort of Indian flapshell turtle declined by 55% in 2022. Areas of the wetland converted to agriculture and aquaculture increased by 16.5% and 14.9% respectively over this period, and turtle breeding sites declined, especially in farmed land. All turtle hunters, 93.3% of fishermen, 93.3% of fish farmers and 75% of agricultural farmers, were of the opinion that the wetland's turtle population has declined. Worryingly, the majority of fishermen (66.7%) and 41.7% of the agriculture farmers believe that the decline in turtle abundance is not a problem. About 90% of turtle hunters disagreed with this, primarily because of their dependency on turtles for income. Nine major threats and conservation challenges were identified, including illegal hunting, accidental fishing bycatch, anthropogenic modifications to the wetland, and negative attitudes of some of the stakeholders. We recommend urgent conservation initiatives involving the stakeholder communities and also more research to characterise specific habitat needs for different life stages and evaluate potential population bottlenecks. We suggest education programmes regarding animal conservation and implementation of stricter regulations to reduce exploitation.