Turtles and tortoises losing the race: Ecology and conservation of Testudines in Indawgyi Lake, Myanmar

Abstract

AbstractTestudines (turtles and tortoises) rank among the most threatened vertebrates globally, with species in Asia particularly vulnerable due to exploitation, unregulated trade, habitat loss, and degradation. This study aimed to understand the ecology and conservation status of turtles and tortoises in the Indawgyi Lake basin. We conducted surveys along 47 transects, each 1–2 km in length, across four sampling periods (total distance covered = 74.9 km). Additionally, we also deployed four traps at three different locations to capture turtles during two of these sampling periods. In addition, we analyzed 14 soil samples collected from five locations to determine the nesting conditions of soft‐shell turtles. Finally, we identified conservation concerns through semi‐structured interviews with 146 local households, including fishermen and hunters, to gather local ecological knowledge (LEK) on the abundance, habitats, and breeding ecology of turtles and tortoises, as well as local conservation perspectives. Seven turtle and tortoise species were identified within the Indawgyi Lake basin. To our knowledge, two of these species, the Myanmar brown leaf turtle (Cyclemys fusca) and Oldham's leaf turtle (Cyclemys oldhamii), have yet to be officially documented in this area. Furthermore, an Amyda sp. (collected on 10 March 2019), known by the vernacular name “Late Par Tate,” is hitherto undescribed and is likely a newly discovered species. Our results showed disturbance (SW = 1.0) and higher organic matter (SW = 0.52) as the main estimators explaining the difference in nest observation frequency. Animal grazing areas had more nests than other sites affected by greater human disturbances. The local community identified hunting (44%), fishing (28%), and deforestation (13%) as the main activities threatening turtle and tortoise populations. The majority of turtles hunted were either consumed (over 43%) or sold to middlemen, who at times sold them on to foreign traders (less than 51%). Alarmingly, 99% of those interviewed expressed a notable deficiency in protection and conservation efforts by the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division and NGOs. We advocate for enhanced conservation efforts, mainly through stronger enforcement, increased awareness, and the establishment of protection zones with restricted human access to facilitate the recovery of these populations, especially at nesting sites.