Reporting for this story was
supported by a grant from the Earth Journalism Network.
Tehran Times 6/2/19
TEHRAN – Euphrates softshell
turtle is endangered in the country mainly due to habitat loss and low
precipitation, environmental expert Asghar Mobaraki told YJC on Friday.
The Euphrates softshell turtle
(Rafetus euphraticus), also known as the Mesopotamian softshell turtle, is a
species of softshell turtle in the family Trionychidae. It is found throughout
much of the Euphrates–Tigris river basin in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iranian
Khuzestan province.
This freshwater turtle can weigh
up to 20 kg (44 pounds), and it has a smooth leathery shell that can reach up
to 68 cm (2.2 fit) in length. They are mainly found in a wide range of
freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and
marshlands.
Despite its endangered status,
there are no specific conservations projects aimed at saving this species in
most of its range, Mobaraki stated.
According to the IUCN
anthropogenic fragmentation, alteration, and destruction of suitable habitat
throughout its range are the main threats to Rafetus euphraticus.
When basking on land they are
very shy, retreating to water at the slightest hint of danger, therefore,
estimating their population is difficult, he explained.
Referring to ways available to
estimate the population of the species, he noted that determining an exact
number of the remaining species requires advanced equipment as well as fund.
In the past that water level in
major lakes and wetlands were lower, we could determine the species
distribution, however, with recent heavy rainfalls, water level has increased
and we are no longer able to count them, he also added.
He went on to say that in 1350s
to 1360s (1971-1991), Euphrates softshell turtles had a stable population in
the Shadegan wetland in Khuzestan province, while their population gradually
shrank.
In past recent years, their
population was shrinking due to low precipitation and recurrent drought
haunting Khuzestan province, he regretted.
Although the primary threats are
habitat loss and fragmentation, to lesser extent also pollution is to blame, he
stated, adding, some lakes have been contaminated as waste and poisonous sewage
enters them.
In some cases, they are killed by
fishermen due to being carnivorous and caught on fishing hooks, he further
regretted, concluding, fishing nets, illegal boats, and dams which alter levels
of sediment and water temperature, are among the other major threats to the
species in the country.
The International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed Euphrates softshell turtle as engendered
assessing its population in 2016.
Threats in detail
According to the IUCN
anthropogenic fragmentation, alteration, and destruction of suitable habitat
throughout its range are the main threats to Rafetus euphraticus.
Major dams cause fundamental changes
to water quality and the flow regime downstream, making it impossible for R.
euphraticus to survive in long downstream riverine stretches. The loss of
sandbank nesting habitat through flooding and sand mining is also a serious
threat.
The use of pesticides in
agricultural fields next to riverbanks causes pollution along the
tributaries.
Additionally the draining of the
Mesopotamian Marshes in southeastern coastal Iraq and southwestern Iran after
the 1991 Gulf War is likely to have impacted Iraqi populations significantly.
Animals accidentally caught by fishermen may be killed as perceived
competitors, and nests destroyed.
In Iraq, various wars and
political conflicts, drought, dam construction, unsustainable fishing methods,
especially electro-fishing, and the use of poisons and explosive materials are
the main concerns for Rafetus survival.
Furthermore, oil development,
especially in southern Iraq and gravel mining in northern rivers threatens R.
euphraticus populations.
No information is available on
threats to R. euphraticus in Syria, where it occupies territories under severe
political unrest and turmoil.
The Chinese Soft Shell,
Pelodiscus sinensis, has been imported into Iran illegally and has the
potential to become a competitor for R. euphraticus.
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