Population Status,Threats and Conservation of the Spotted Pond Turtle;Geoclemys Hamiltonii(Gray,1830)(Geoemydidae) of Pakistan

Abstract

The present study is based on some analytical studies of diversity, population status, Threats and conservation status of the black pond freshwater turtle, Geoclemys hamiltonii of Pakistan. Illegal international trade of the Black Spotted Turtle has escalated in the past few years which are indicated by seizure data in South and South-east Asian countries. Bangkok is one of the major destined for illegal trade in East Asia. International smuggling occurs predominantly by passengers using commercial airlines concealing animals in their baggage. Black Spotted Turtle smuggling could be part of this overall pattern of demand. Although some of the seizures resulted in arrests, few successful prosecutions of smugglers have been reported. Efforts supporting enforcement and prosecution are recommended to raise awareness of this issue and address poaching and illegal export of Black Spotted Turtles, with specific priority in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Formal Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) are strongly encouraged between governments of countries and territories along the trade route of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan to improve cross border enforcement.