Activities like sand mining, reclamation of wetlands, pollution in rivers, siltation and intensive fishing have caused rampant killings of turtles in the entire division.

Animal lovers have raised serious concern over the sharp decline of the tortoise species especially in Udaipur which were said to be seen in abundance until few years ago. Star tortoise, Soft shell turtles, Indian flap shell and Roof turtles are the four major breeds which were found in large numbers in and around the water bodies of the entire Mewar-Wagar region.

Their number have been reduced by 90 percent over the years, claimed Dr. Raja Tehsin, an activist. The long incubation period up to 300 days for the turtle eggs to be hatched has also been pointed out as one of the natural reasons for the low survival rate of the reptile population. Incessant sand mining kills the turtle population since the females lay eggs on the shore beds to protect them from water.

‘The three aquatic turtle species once found in abundance in Udaipur division are near to extinction in the region, said Dr Tehsin. Few decades ago more than 10,000 turtles of the four species were seen in and around Fateshsagar, Pichola lake, Swaroopsagar and other wetlands.

Star tortoise could be seen in large numbers at Motimagri, Sajjangarh areas. Group of the reptile population could be seen basking sun which has become a rare sight now.  The turtles are suffering as a result of habitat loss due to extensive sand mining from the river beds and expansion of agriculture activities too. Illegal fishing too could be a main reason as the poor reptiles are caught up in the fishing net and sold in the market for its precious meat which fetch the poachers good money. The shells are also sold as masks to tourists and some are kept as pets.

‘ In remote areas, turtles are also killed by the tribal people to be used in making medicines for common diseases and also for meat purposes’ Tehsin said. Pollution is also a significant problem in the lakes and rivers inhabited by turtles. Referring to a survey undertaken by his team in and around the major wetlands of Udaipur, Rajsamand and the adjoining areas, Tehsin asserted number of the reptile population has sharply reduced with hardly some turtles spotted. The activist in his letter to the administration and forest department has urged to start up an awareness campaign to save the reptile population from complete extinction.

 by Geetha Sunil Pillai