Rafetus euphraticus (Daudin 1801) – Euphrates Softshell Turtle
Kitapta bölümler > Diğer · 2016
Yazarlar: Ertan TAŞKAVAK, Mehmet K. Atatür, Hanyeh Ghaffari, Peter A. Meylan
Chelonian Research Monographs, Diğer, Uluslararası, 2016, ,
DOI: 10.3854/crm.5.098.euphraticus.v1.2016
Özet
The Euphrates Softshell Turtle, Rafetus euphraticus (Family Trionychidae), is a medium-sized (maximum recorded carapace length 680 mm), freshwater turtle thought to be most closely related to the eastern Asian species Rafetus swinhoei.The species inhabits diverse habitats, including rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, marshlands, and artificial canals.It is found only in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers and their tributaries in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and southwestern Iran.It occurs in relatively shallow, calm waters, typically adjacent to deeper, fast-flowing water.The home range size averages 47.5 ha (minimum convex polygon) with a mean 95% kernel density of 21.8 ha.Knowledge of the species' distribution in the Tigris system lacks detail, due in part to political disturbance.Populations of the species are threatened by ongoing habitat fragmentation, alteration, and destruction throughout its range.Construction of several large dams has drastically changed the habitat of this turtle, especially in the Turkish part of the Euphrates watershed.This serious threat endangers the future of this species.No conservation measures are being taken in southeastern Anatolia (Turkey), Syria or Iraq.A participatory conservation project is underway in Khuzestan Province, Iran.Population studies, strengthened national and international protection, and regional cooperation will be required for the long-term survival of Rafetus euphraticus.distribution.-Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey.Restricted to the Euphrates and Tigris River basins.synonyMy.-Testudo euphratica