Pelusios castanoides ssp. intergularis
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
REPTILIA |
TESTUDINES |
PELOMEDUSIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Pelusios castanoides ssp. intergularis |
| Species Authority: |
(Hewitt, 1931) |
| Infra-specific Authority: |
Bour, 1983 |
Common Name/s:
| English |
– |
Seychelles Chestnut-bellied Mud Turtle |
|
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Critically Endangered
A2c; B2ab(ii,iii)
ver 3.1
|
| Year Assessed: |
2003 |
| Assessor/s |
Gerlach, J. |
| Evaluator/s: |
Rhodin, A., Bour, R., Baard, E., Gibbons, W. & Iverson, J. (Tortoise & Freshwater Turtle Red List Authority) |
Justification:
The very restricted range of P. c. intergularis, along with fragmentation and ongoing decline, qualifies the taxon as Critically Endangered. Area of occupancy is estimated at only 0.1 km² (CR B2). The range is severely fragmented (CR B2a) and the taxon's habitat is declining in area, extent and quality as a result of pollution, drainage, and invasive plant species (CR B2b(ii,iii)). As a result of this habitat loss, area of occupancy has declined by at least 80%. Similar population declines are estimated based on this loss of area of occupancy over the last ten years (CR A2c).
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Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
P. c. intergularis is endemic to islands in the Seychelles. It is found on Mahé, Cerf, Praslin, La Digue, Fregate and Silhouette islands. Extent of occurrence is estimated at 3,500 km², but area of occupancy is approximately 0.1 km².
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| Countries: |
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Population
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| Population: |
In 2002, the total population was estimated at less than 100 adults, distributed throughout six isolated populations. The subspecies lost 80% of its range through drainage in 1999. It is inferred that a similar level of population reduction has occurred as a result of this (Rhodin, pers. comm., Gerlach, pers. comm).
|
| Population Trend: |
Decreasing
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Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
The taxon is present in lowland rivers and marshes, with a preference for rivers. It feeds on invertebrates, fish, amphibians, fruit and plant material. Low levels of nematode infections have been recorded. Competition between males is required for successful breeding. Eggs laid December-January.
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| Systems: |
Terrestrial; Freshwater |
| Major Threat(s): |
Habitat loss and deterioration caused by drainage, pollution (rubbish dumping, sewage and/or pesticide run-off) and marsh invasion by water lettuce. Loss of habitat through drainage resulted in a loss of 80% of the taxon's range in 1999. Further declines are likely. Predation is a possible cause of decline on some islands.
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Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
Protected under Seychelles law. Not present in reserves but in conservation managed areas on Fregate and Silhouette.
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