The study - published by Oryx via Cambridge University Press - was led by conservationists from the University of Portsmouth and the Zoological Society of London in England. Additionally, the University of Miami, Florida Museum of Natural History, Museum of Zoology at the Senckenberg Society for Nature Research and the Wildlife Institute of India.
Pelochelys cantorii belongs to the family of aquatic, carnivorous turtles known as the Trionychidae. Regarded as vital to the ecosystems of freshwater rivers, the giant softshell turtle is also considered an upmost priority for conservation. This is because the turtle is globally endangered and almost evolutionarily extinct due to their eggs and juveniles under being constant predation by an assortment of animals.
150 interviews took place with an age range of 20 to 89 years old over a 63km stretch of the Chandragiri River, many of the interviewers being farmers who were more than willing to aid in the investigation.
In the countries: China, Vietnam, Myanmar and the Philippines, the Cantor softshell turtle is legally protected, and trade of the species is punishable with heavy penalties, fines and even imprisonment.
There is a noticeable lack of contemporary documentation of the turtle. Only a handful of records have been established since the 1970s and this may be both a combination of the dwindling population but also the result of the turtle’s elusive behavior which makes it difficult to locate and accurately observe for prolonged periods of time.
Pelochelys cantorii love water and they spend a lot of time residing at the bottom of rivers, usually submerged in sand which then makes surveying the endangered turtle visually complex. Sightings have become increasingly rare over the years and, amidst India’s rich biodiversity, many expeditions to track the stealthy turtle species down and conduct proper research have failed. Until recently, the Cantor softshell turtle had faded into relative obscurity.
Researchers decided to take a different approach to tracking the turtle down. Using semi-structured interviews, they investigated the surrounding areas where previously alleged sightings had taken place and interviewed members of the public as well as setting up a local alert network to alarm the researchers of any possible sightings or valuable information.
150 interviews took place with an age range of 20 to 89 years old over a 63km stretch of the Chandragiri River, many of the interviewers being farmers who were more than willing to aid in the investigation.
This study has been essential for reviving interest in a previously forgotten and ancient animal, but it has also highlighted the efficacy of cultural and local knowledge when independent research and visual documentation fails.
The results concluded that there had been several sightings of the rare turtle in 2019, specifically in deep bodies of water during the dry season. Additionally, it was noted that these sightings took place in the afternoon hours, when the turtles were always seen in the water.
There was a lot of contrasting information about nesting periods, but researchers involved concluded the average nesting period to be between January and February. Nests were discovered, some of which were flooded, and the hatchlings were eventually released into the river.
The alert network established during the investigation also provided vital insight into priority areas for conservation as well as potential dangers such as illegal sand mining and the construction of nearby damns which may flood these nesting grounds.
This study has been essential for reviving interest in a previously forgotten and ancient animal, but it has also highlighted the efficacy of cultural and local knowledge when independent research and visual documentation fails.
The team of researchers are now working hard to establish a community hatchery with the help of the local public whom they have heavily encouraged to get involved with nest protection programs to conserve the endangered Pelochelys cantorii population.