Imperiled Chelonians: Issues and Conservation Challenges

Abstract

Chelonian comprising turtles and tortoises represent one of the most ancient reptilian lineages. They maintain ecosystem balance through playing vital ecological roles such as scavenging, seed dispersal. They are among the most threatened vertebrates globally despite their evolutionary resilience with over half of known species now facing extinction. This chapter explores the diversity of freshwater turtles and tortoises in India, emphasizing their ecological significance and escalating threats they face due to habitat degradation, overexploitation, illegal trade, pollution and climate change. India, a key hotspot for chelonian diversity, hosts 36 species of freshwater, terrestrial and marine turtles and tortoises. However, intensive anthropogenic pressures-urbanization, illegal trade, hydrological modification, pollution are affecting the existence of these species. Conservation efforts are underway but faces formidable challenges due to increasing demand, anthropogenic pressure and lack of habitat protection.