Ecological Distribution of <i>Cyclemys oldhamii</i> (Gray, 1863) from Nepal

Abstract

Tangting River originates from southern slope of Murtidanda of Mahabharat range and forms a very narrow v-shaped agriculturally fertile valley in lower parts of Chure hills. It has three main tributaries merging from east and west. Water is clear with rocky bed and margin is covered with thick bushes of semi-shrubs (Eupatorium adenophorum). During the herpetological survey, a live juvenile specimen of Cyclemys oldhamii (Gray, 1983) was collected from the periphery of Banmare Khola, an eastern tributory of the river. It was found hiding in the paddy field in the flood plain of Tangting river (280 m), and another adult specimen was collected from Dhobi Khola (450 m), a western tributory of the river. Empty shells were also collected from Garuwa and Mai valleys, respectively. Tangting and Garuwa river valleys are the favourable habitats for Cyclemys oldhamii. The main reason of discontinued distribution is habitat loss by deforestation.

Key words: Cyclemys, Morphology, Ecological habitats, Distribution

doi:10.3126/on.v2i1.317

Our Nature (2004) 2: 7-12