distribution of freshwater turtles in punjab, pakistan

a total of 3528 specimens of freshwater turtles belonging to two families viz., geoemydidae (brown river turtle, kachuga smithi; indian saw-backed turtle, k. tecta; brahminy rrive turtle, hardella thurgi; spotted pond turtle, geoclemys hamiltonii) and trionychidae (indian soft-shell turtle, aspederates gangeticus; peacock soft-shell turtle, a.hurum; narrow-headed soft-shell turtle, chitra indica; indian flap-shell turtle, lissemys punciata) were identified. kachuga smithi (43.62%) and k.tecta (42.06%) had abundant population status, whereas, hardella thurgi (0.88%) and chitra indica (0.54%) were rare. capturing of turtles for supply to foreigners and export is a major threat to these animals. fishermen also kill them during fishing. canal closure and de-silting is also harmful to turtles. it is concluded that it is necessary to provide immediate legal protection/coverage to all turtle species under the punjab wildlife act, 1974, pakistan; otherwise turtle species will become extinct.