Nilssonia hurum (Gray, 1831)

Indian peacock softshell turtle( Nilssonia hurum) is a widespread species in Indian subcontinent. The carapace is oval and olive green. The head has yellow or orange patches which are more prominent near the snout and eyes. Maximum carapace length of adult individual is upto 600 mm. The species inhabit lakes, ponds and rivers. Illegal trade from various countries to China, habitat fragmentation and loss are posing a great threat to the population.

No subspecies have been described.

Gray in 1830 described the taxon as Trionyx hurum. The type locality was Barrackpore, West Bengal (India).

Clutch size 10–30, incubation period unknown

Breeding takes place in the months of August to November. Courtship in the speceis takes place underwater, with male biting the female. Individuals are reported to nest 10-30 m away from river. Eggs are spherical and clutch size is 20-30.

No information available

60 cm

Maximum carapace length is reported to be 600 mm.

Males have a thicker and longer tail than females, with cloaca close to its tip.

Carapace oval and flat, longitudinal rows of tubercles present. Onepreneural and two neural plates present between first pair of pleurals. Pleuralsin eight pairs.Triturating surface of upper jaw without ridges. Five callouses present on plastron of adults. Digits strongly webbed with large claws present onthree digits. Carapace olive green, head with black reticulation. Prominent, large grey, orange or yellow blotches present on snout and behind eyes. Plastron white.Juvenile with 4–6 dark circular spots boarded by yellow or orange on carapace.

The carapace of N. hurum is oval, drak olive green with a yellow rim. The head is large and snout is highly downturned. Plastron yellow, head and limbs are olive green. The head has dark reticulations and yellow or orange spots especially behind the eyes. Juveniles have four orange ringed dark-centred ocellie that later get masked by the dark colored carapace. Coloration is brighter in juvenile than adults.

Yellow or orange spots behind the eye and across snout in N. hurum are larger than Nilssonia nigrican.

An aquatic species, associated with rivers, ponds and lakes.Predominantly carnivorous

The species inhabit varied habitat like river, lakes, streams. Adults utilize the deeper parts of the river while juveniles are found in shallow parts.

N. hurum is reported to be nocturnal and aggressive. Individuals burrow in mud with eyes and nostril out.

The species is generally omnivorous feeding on earthworm, mollusc, prawns, fish, frogs. Individuals are seen to be feeding on puffed rice and garbage generated from religious activities. Juveniles in captivity feed on fish and mosquito larvae.

The karyotype is unknown. Genetic work on the species has been conducted by Praschag et al. (2007), that allocate it to Nilssonia, and reveal a sister relationship with N. nigricans.

Trematode parasite, Cephalogonimus mukerjius, is reported to infect the intestine of species.

River channels, marshes and wetlands. Remain buried in mud or sand at the bottom

associated with rivers, ponds and lakes.

The species is known to inhabit rivers, lakes and pond and othe lentic environment because of its ability to burrow into mud.

Information on population size is unavailable. Species are repoted to be abundant in Sarju, Kane, Rapti and lower Ganga river, India. Also, in Pakistan's Punjab province the population of N. hurum is obseved to be plentiful especially in shallow, muddy ditches.

Population declining. This appears to be the most common large softshell turtle in the lower parts of the Ganges system; however, in the central and upper regions the species appears to be outnumbered by N. gangetica.

This species is traded in East Asian markets

IUCN Redlist Status: Vulnerable

Vulnerable

The species is not threatened by extinction in the immediate future, but certain populations are declining rapidly due to commercial exploitation and habitat alteration.

Capture for food and harvest of eggs. This species may be also affected by aquatic pollution.

The species is highly exploited for its meat and calipee which is used in traditional chinese medicines and cusines. Habitat destruction and habitat loss are other causes posing threat to the population.

Species is listed under Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Schedule III of Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) Act, 1974.

Nilssonia hurum in community ponds act as scavengers and help in preventing pollution. Turtles also have significance in hindu mythology and many temple tanks in Assam (India) provide protection the species. These temple tanks can be utilized as turtle conservation centres and a potential ground for educating students and public awareness. (Author obs.)