Emphasizing Lissemys punctata Health Status with reference to Hematological, Biochemical, and Water Quality Parameters of two Different Water Bodies

Abstract

By studying turtles enable us to gain better understanding of many species living in water and impact of the environment on their health. The purpose of the study is to analyse Lissemys punctata, also known as the Indian flapshell turtle, basic health in comparison of two diverse areas of water bodies. The water bodies selected were 120 km apart as in Narayanavanam mandal, near to human activities and other in natural environment, Somala mandal, Andhra Pradesh. We had observed 24 turtles, 12 each from the water sources in two mandals. We had collected blood samples from the turtles and analyzed for haematological and biochemical parameters. We had also collected water samples in the ponds and analyzed for water quality parameters. Our findings revealed that turtles haematological and biochemical parameters of Narayanavanam mandal water bodies showed significant stress when compared with other group of Somala mandal, this was justified by water quality parameters also. This clearly indicates that other aquatic organisms, which share these types of ecosystems, may also be facing similar environmental stress. In general, we conclude that there must be taken some conservative measures much quicker to ensure the preservation of biodiversity in ponds situated near to human settlements. In addition, our data on haematological and blood biochemical parameters will benefit future endeavours to study Lissemys punctata, especially where the availability of data is scarce.