Predation of Endangered crowned river turtles Hardella thurjii by golden jackals Canis aureus in Keoladeo National Park, India

GOURAV SONAWANE; GAURAV. S SINGH; ADITI MUKHERJEE; SHIRISH S. MANCHI; H.N. KUMARA

The Herpetological Bulletin is a quarterly publication in English. It includes full-length papers, natural history notes, book reviews, and other items of general herpetological interest. Emphasis is placed on natural history and conservation as well as captive care that includes breeding, husbandry, veterinary, and behavioural aspects.

pdf 01. Predation of Endangered crowned river turtles Hardella thurjii by golden jackals Canis aureus in Keoladeo National Park, India

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb172.16

AUTHORS: GOURAV SONAWANE, GAURAV. S SINGH, ADITI MUKHERJEE, SHIRISH S. MANCHI & H.N. KUMARA

ABSTRACT: The predation of an endangered species by its natural predators can severely impact its survival, even in protected areas. We report on the predation of the Endangered crowned river turtle Hardella thurjii by golden jackals Canis aureus in Keoladeo National Park in India. There were 48 predation instances over five months, particularly of gravid females during the breeding season. The concentration of predated carcasses along turtle breeding trails raises concerns about demographic impacts. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation measures, such as monitoring jackal movement, installing barricades in predation hotspots, and providing care for injured turtles to reduce losses of H. thurjii.