Distribution and Status of the Turtles in the Ghodaghodi Lake Area, Kailali District, Far West Nepal

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Bista, D & Shah, K. 2010. Diversity and status of the turtles in Ghodaghodi Lake Area, Kailali District, Far West Nepal, Journal of
Natural History Museum, Vol. 25, 366-373
366
Diversity and Status of the Turtles in Ghodaghodi Lake Area,
Kailali district, Far West Nepal D. Bista
K.B. Shah
Abstract
A field survey was conducted in Ghodaghodi Lake Area in September-October, 2009 for
28 days in order to document the diversity, ethnozoology and conservation issues of the
turtles in the area. Direct observation, interview, educational local technique and
literature review methods were used to gather information. A total of 11 species of turtles
including1 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered and 1 Vulnerable species have been
recorded from the area. The Shannon Weiner diversity index (0.402) indicates moderate
diversity and evenness index (0.38) shows the inequitable distribution of turtle species.
Of the seven categories of habitats identified, majority (59.26%) of the individuals were
found in lake water. Turtles have very high ethnozoological values especially among the
Tharu people of the area. The study also discusses potential threats to the turtles in the
area especially due to anthropogenic activities.
Key words: chelonian, conservation, Ethnozoology, threats, wetland
Introduction
Turtles and tortoises (now usually simply termed ‘turtles’) belonging to the reptilian
order Testudines, and are distinguished by their hard bony shell (Das, 1995). Here also
the common term ‘turtles’ is used for all Nepalese turtles and tortoises. One of the oldest
members of reptiles, turtles are easily recognized from all other animals by their
characteristic bony shell. Therefore, they are also known as nature’s tank. The shell has
two parts, the carapace above and the plastron below, joined along the flanks between the
fore and hind limbs, both carapace and plastron have a foundation of bone covered with
horny plates or scutes (leathery and soft-shell turtle are exception). The bony shell is a
most effective predator defense because the limb girdles are within armor, and in most
extant turtles, the limbs, head and neck and be drawn within the shell. The shell has been
described by Zangerl (1969) as a “remarkable piece of biological engineering”.
Freshwater turtles perform a valuable service as scavengers in the tanks, rivers and
stagnant water and thus keep the aquatic systems free from pollution (Rao 1986). The
declination rate is a serious indication as some species have rapidly declined in the past
decade, may face extinction in the wild (Sandra and Daniela 2000). The freshwater turtle
population is declining due to over exploitation and habitat destruction (Rao 1986).
The Nepalese turtle fauna are classified into three families i.e. hard-shelled Bataguridae
and Testudinidae, and soft-shelled turtles Trionychidae. All of them are toothless, and
have a beak with horny sheaths. They have a dull sense of hearing but very sharp eye-
sight. Some produce sounds during the breeding season only. All turtles nest on land and
they live longest among all vertebrates (Rai, 2003). The latest figure for turtle species is
250 in the world (www.reptiledatabase.org; Nov. 2009). At least 50% of the 200 species
of fresh water turtles are highly threatened and more than 75% of the Asian species are
threatened (MEA, 2005). So far 17 species of turtles have been recorded from Nepal
(Shah & Tiwari, 2004).

Bista, D & Shah, K. 2010. Diversity and status of the turtles in Ghodaghodi Lake Area, Kailali District, Far West Nepal, Journal of
Natural History Museum, Vol. 25, 366-373
367
The Ghodaghodi Lake Area (GLA) acts as a biological corridor connecting the Bardiya
National Park and Siwalik Range with Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and Duduwa
National Park in India. This area has immense biodiversity and harbor Critically
Endangered Kachuga kachuga and Kachuga dhongoka (IUCN, 2004). The present study
is an attempt to collect and add information on diversity, ethnozoology and conservation
issues of turtles in the study area, which will provide baseline estimates that will help to
trace changes in the status of chelonians as disturbances are over a period of year.
Study Area
The Ghodaghodi Lake Area (GLA) was selected as the study area, which lies in Kailali
district of Nepal. The GLA lies at 28o41’03”N longitude and 80056’43” east latitude, a
sub-tropical region in the Far Western Terai of Nepal. The area was listed in Ramsar
Sites in September, 2003. It is an important bird area of Nepal
(http://www.ramsar.org/profile_nepal.htm, Nov 8). It covers 2563 hectares with 14 lakes
and ponds (http://www.ramsar.org/profile_nepal.htm.). But, Conservation and
Sustainable Use of Wetlands in Nepal (CSUWN, 2010) has revealed the presence of 20
associated lakes and ponds in GLA. The area circumscribes three Village Development
Committees (VDCs) of Darakh, Sandepani and Ramsikharjhala of Kailali district. The
area is remarkable for its rich biodiversity and connectivity between the Terai plains and
the Siwalik of Nepal. The land cover of the area can be grouped into six categories,
forest, lake, rivers, grasslands, settlement and agricultural lands (GACAF, 2002). The
study area enjoys the sub tropical monsoonal type of climate with dry winter and rainy
summer. A total of 473 plant species have been recorded from Ghodaghodi Lake
Complex out of which 195 are wetland species (GACAF, 2002). It harbors several
species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
Methodology
The study area was visited in September-October, 2009 for 28 days regularly and almost
8 hours were spent in surveying each day. A walk was conducted in the GLA to explore
the turtles and their habitats. A survey was also made on floating boat in Ghodaghodi
Lake to explore the turtles and their habitat at inaccessible sites to be reached on foot.
Many sites in the lakes were visited for recording the turtles. As far as possible the
individuals were tried to capture by the help of a conical net provided with a 4m long
handle. If capturing was not possible their photographs were taken and then identified.
Photographs of the turtles recorded from Nepal were displayed to the respondents to
know whether they had observed those species in the study area. Besides, some museum
specimens in the local school laboratories were also examined. Available literature
dealing the biodiversity of the area was consulted and the species of turtles already
recorded from the area but not recorded during this field work were included in present
checklist. The habitats were identified on the basis of presence of the turtle species.
Habitats were also located by accompanying the local fishermen. Furthermore, a total of
85 local people and other key informants were interviewed to get information regarding
the ethnozoological uses and conservation threats of the species. The Identification of the
species were done by consulting the standard book “Herpetofauna of Nepal: A
Conservation Companion” (Shah & Tiwari, 2004). Different indices of diversity viz.

Bista, D & Shah, K. 2010. Diversity and status of the turtles in Ghodaghodi Lake Area, Kailali District, Far West Nepal, Journal of
Natural History Museum, Vol. 25, 366-373
368
Simpson index (c), Shannon Weiner diversity index (H) and evenness index (e) were
determined following Odum, 1996.
Results and Discussion
Status and diversity of the turtles
The area has been found moderately rich in turtle fauna. A total of 11 species belonging
to 3 families and 7 genera have been recorded from the study area. The recorded species
are as follows:
Family: Testudinidae
1. Elongated tortoise - Indotestudo elongata (Blith, 1853)
Family: Bataguridae
2. Three-striped roofed turtle - Kachuga dhongoka (Gray, 1834)
3. Painted roofed turtle - Kachuga kachuga (Gray, 1831)
4. Tricarinate hill turtle - Melanochelys tricarinata (Blyth, 1856)
5. Eastern black turtle - Melanochelys trijuga (Annandale, 1913)
6. Pale-footed brown roofed turtle - Pangshura smithii (Moll, 1987)
7. Indian Roofed Turtle - Pangshura tectum (Gray, 1831)
Family: Trionychidae
8. Indian soft-shell turtle - Aspideretes gangeticus (Cuvier, 1825)
9. Indian peacock soft-shell turtle - Aspideretes hurum (Gray, 1831)
10. Narrow-headed soft shell turtle - Chitra indica (Gray, 1831)
11. North Indian flap shell turtle Lissemys punctata andersoni Webb, 1980
Five species of the turtles have been observed during the entire survey period (Table: 1).
Based on the frequency of observation, Pangshura tectum (62.94%) was found as the
dominant species followed by Lissemys punctata andersoni (22.2%) Pangshura smithii
(7.43%) and Melanochelys tricarinata and Aspideretes gangeticus (3.71%). This also
indicates their population abundances in the area. Five species except Aspideretes hurum,
not observed during this survey, have previously been recorded (BPP 1995, Thakulla
1999, IUCN 1998, Shah & Tiwari 2004). The presence of Aspideretes hurum has been
confirmed by the help of a photograph taken by a local resident. This makes the
occurrence of 11 species in the study area. Pangshura smithii and Aspideretes hurum,
two species are reported for the first time from the study area.
Table 1: Frequency of live turtles Species observed in the area
S.N.
Name of species
No. of individuals
Percentage of

Bista, D & Shah, K. 2010. Diversity and status of the turtles in Ghodaghodi Lake Area, Kailali District, Far West Nepal, Journal of
Natural History Museum, Vol. 25, 366-373
369
Observed
observation
1
Melanochelys tricarinata
1
3.71
2
Pangshura smithii
2
7.43
3
Pangshura tectum
17
62.94
4
Aspideretes gangeticus
1
3.70
5
Lissemys punctata andersoni
6
22.2
Total
27
100
The Simpson index (0.309) indicates low dominance of the species. The Shannon Weiner
diversity index (0.402) indicates moderate diversity and evenness index (0.38) shows the
inequitable distribution of turtle species. The pressure induced by anthropogenic
activities on the turtles and their habitat may be the cause of this restrained diversity of
the chelonians in the study area. Furthermore, these all indices show that the micro
climatic condition prevailing in the study area is modest for the propagation of chelonian.
Amongst the recorded turtles (Table: 2), 7 species are included in different threat
categories of IUCN Red Data Book, 9 species are listed in different Appendices of
CITES and all the 11 species are listed in National Red Data Book (NRDB, 1995).
Table 2: List of the protected species of herpetofauna recorded from the area
S.N.
Species
IUCN
CITES
NRDB
1
Indotestudo elongata
EN
II
S
2
Kachuga dhongoka
EN
II
S
3
Kachuga kachuga
CR
II
V
4
Melanochelys tricarinata
VU
I
V
5
Melanochelys trijuga
NT
S
6
Pangshura smithii
II
S
7
Pangshura tectum
LC
S
8
Aspideretes gangeticus
I
V
9
Aspideretes hurum
I
S
10
Chitra indica
II
S
11
Lissemys punctata andersoni
LC
II
S
Source: BPP (1995 No 2), Shah & Tiwari (2004)
Legends: EN = Endangered, CR = Critically Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, NT = Not
Threatened, LC = Least Concern, V = Vulnerable, S = Susceptible and I, II, III = CITES
Appendices.
Habitat
Based on the presence of the turtle species at the time of observation, seven categories of
habitats have been identified (Fig. 1). The majority of the individuals were found basking
on the floating log in lake water (n = 16, 59.26%) and the least individuals in terrestrial
habitats along side the bushes, puddle and irrigation canal (n = 1, 3.7%) for each. Hossain
et al. (2008) also reported the highest number of the turtle species inhabiting the

Bista, D & Shah, K. 2010. Diversity and status of the turtles in Ghodaghodi Lake Area, Kailali District, Far West Nepal, Journal of
Natural History Museum, Vol. 25, 366-373
370
marshland. At the same time, (n = 3, 11.12%) of the individuals were found in paddy
field and stream each. Some (n = 2, 7.4%) of the turtle individuals were also recorded to
be domesticated out of their natural habitat by keeping inside the earthen pot. This shows
that almost all the turtles inhabit upon the wetland.
Figure 1. Habitat occupied by the turtles
Ethnozoology of the turtles
Turtles are regarded as sacred animals considered as incarnation of the Hindu deity,
Vishnu and because of this belief, local people; especially Brahmins do not eat their meat
(Shah 2004,). All the species of turtles found in Ghodaghodi lake complex are recorded
to be eaten by the ethnic Tharu people as well as other tribes. The meat of all soft shell
turtles is said to be very tasty and that of Indian soft-shell turtle, Aspideretes gangeticus is
tastiest. The meat of Indotestudo elongata, which is exclusively a terrestrial species, is
found to be least tasty and eaten occasionally by a few people. However, the eggs of all
species are found to be eaten with same preference and said to be as delicious as that of
chicken.
The turtles are found to be used as medicines either directly or mixed with some herbs
and animal parts to treat some human and livestock diseases. The paste made by rubbing
the shell of Lissemys punctata andersoni is found to be used in curing tonsillitis, measles,
cold, pneumonia, and pain in joints. The paste made from turtle’s shell by rubbing it on
stone with water is found to be helpful in treating skin diseases like scabies and eczema,
hydrocele, asthma, cough, jaundice and leprosy (Shah, 2004). In addition, the turtles
penis rubbed on the stone is found to be taken orally to stimulate the sexual desire and
treat hysteria. The Tharu community of the area use to treat a disease ‘sadaka’
characterized by pain in ribs while breathing by applying paste on the chest made from
the turtle shell. Furthermore, male buffalo and oxen used for pulling carts and ploughing
sometimes develop wounds on their dorsal side of neck, called ‘Kandhlagnu’. The local
59.26
11.12
3.7
11.12
3.7
3.7
7.4
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Lake
Paddy field
Puddle
Stream
Canal
Along side of
bushes
Domesticated
Habitat
Percentage
e

Bista, D & Shah, K. 2010. Diversity and status of the turtles in Ghodaghodi Lake Area, Kailali District, Far West Nepal, Journal of
Natural History Museum, Vol. 25, 366-373
371
people are found to treat this disease by applying the powder made by burning the turtle
shell and mixing it with mustard oil on the affected parts (Thakulla, 1999).
Conservation Issues
At least 35 cases of illegal turtles catch were reported within a single year between
November 2008 to October 2009 (pers. comm. T. shah, 2009). In addition to the
subsistence use, 2 persons were found to be selling the live turtle and one household was
found to keep 2 individuals of Lissemys punctata andersoni inside the earthen pot as pet.
Besides, some people were also reported to be selling the turtles as food, medicine,
decorative and religious values. Rao (1987) reported that the turtles are consumed by a
group of people as a source of protein and for their delicacy. The turtle’s meat was found
to be sold at Rs. 100 to 180 per kilogram. The plain shells of the turtles were found to be
sold to the locals for medicinal, decorative and other purposes (Shah 2004, Mitchell and
Rhodin 1966). Some 39% of the total respondents also agreed that they have the taste of
turtle’s egg which is highly nutritious and tasty. Nesting sites are located by the aid of
trained dogs. One turtle species Lissemys punctata andersoni was found crushed on the
highway during the survey period. Shrestha (2001) has also reported killing of turtles on
road by vehicles as another threat to their survival.
Around 65% of the respondents informed that harmful fishing practices by using poisons
and other chemicals derived from local plants are also adopted in some wetlands within
the GLA. One of the local entrepreneurs of agrochemicals also justified the increment in
sell of Thiodine and Phorate during October to November. However, this trend is going
on retarding since last few years. At least 15 different varieties of nets were examined for
their mesh size and all of them were found to be smaller than 7 cm mesh size. One
individual of Pangshura tectum was also found to be trapped in a net of a fisherman
during survey period. IUCN (2004) also reported harmful fishing practices like the use of
poisons and use of small-mesh nets (<7cm mesh size) as the threat inducing factors for
the turtles in GLA.
The dense aquatic macrophytes (Pistia stratiotes, Nelumbo nucifera, Ceratophyllum
demersum, Ipomoea cornea fistulosa, Potamogaton natans, Hygrorhyza species,
Ludwigia species, Nymphoids species and Hydrilla verticillata) indicate an advanced
eutrophic status and a high sedimentation rate of the associated lakes, threatening their
habitats since all the observed species during field survey are found to be wetland
dependent. Of which, Pistia stratiotes, Ludwigia species, Ceratophyllum demersum and
Ipomoea cornea fistulosa are identified as high risk posed Invasive Alien Species
(Tiwari, et al., 2005). In addition of those anthropogenic factors some of the wildlifes
have also been identified as potential predators on eggs of the turtles. They include otter,
monitor lizards, jackals, wild boars, wild dogs and mangoose (pers. comm. B.R.
Chaudhary, 2009).
Conclusion
The surveyed area has been found moderately rich in turtles. The evenness index showed
inequitable distribution of chelonians in the study area. Since this survey recorded the
presence of two new species, a further detail survey of the area may also reveal the

Bista, D & Shah, K. 2010. Diversity and status of the turtles in Ghodaghodi Lake Area, Kailali District, Far West Nepal, Journal of
Natural History Museum, Vol. 25, 366-373
372
presence of additional species. Almost all the species of turtles are found to be dependent
on wetland. Hence, the conservation of the wetland ecosystem should be prioritized.
Illegal turtle catch, commercial use, medicinal use, harmful fishing practices and
collection of eggs are identified as the major anthropogenic threats to the turtles, which
may provide a grave concern for conservation efforts. The turtles are found to be used as
medicines to get rid of some diseases of humankind and livestock. Because of this
moderate diversity of turtles in the area it can be developed as Turtle Conservation Park
(TCP). Based on this intensive field survey following recommendations are made for the
conservation of turtles in the area.
 Trapping of Chelonians should be strictly prohibited throughout the year.
 The use of drift nets and gill nets (3-7 cm mesh size) should be banned during the
mass emergence of fresh water turtles in nesting periods.
 The speed of the vehicles should be limited so that the turtle couldn’t be crushed
accidentally.
 Invasive species should be removed periodically in such a way that clearing
activity should not disturb the biota of the wetland.
 Education material should be assembled in local ethnic languages to dispel the
myth that turtle meat has medical value. This should help long-term conservation
of turtles.
 Since there are no basic data on ecology, distribution, breeding habits,
reproductive physiology and population status of the turtles in the area, long term
studies should be initiated.
Acknowledgements
The research is based on the dissertation entitled “Assessment of the Status of
Herpetofauna Especially Focusing on the Turtles in Ghodaghodi Lake, Kailali: A Ramsar
Site of Nepal” for the partial fulfillment of Master’s Degree in Environmental science.
We thank to the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands in Nepal (CSUWN) for
the partial financial support for field work. We would also like to extend our sincere
thanks to Mr. Tanka Bahadur Shah and Bipat Ram Chaudhary for their kind co-operation
during field visit.
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Author’s Address:
1. Damber Bista
Central Department of Environmental Science
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
E-mail: damb.2007@gmail.com (+977-9841862061)
2. Prof. Karan Bahadur Shah
Natural History Museum,
Tribhuvan University, Swayambhu
Kathmandu, Nepal
E-mail: karan@htp.com.np (+977-9841615069)