Predation of Endangered crowned river turtles Hardella thurjii by golden jackals Canis aureus in Keoladeo National Park, India

Research at Keoladeo National Park reveals significant predation pressure on the endangered crowned river turtle (Hardella thurjii) by golden jackals (Canis aureus), with 48 documented instances over five months, particularly targeting gravid females during breeding season. The clustering of carcasses along turtle trails suggests localized hotspots that could pose demographic threats to the species. To mitigate these losses, the study proposes conservation strategies such as monitoring jackal movement patterns, installing physical barricades in high-risk areas, and implementing rescue protocols for injured turtles.

SONAWANE, G., SINGH, GAURAV. S., MUKHERJEE, A., MANCHI, S. S., & KUMARA, H. N. (2025). Predation of Endangered crowned river turtles Hardella thurjii by golden jackals Canis aureus in Keoladeo National Park, India. The Herpetological Bulletin, (172), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.33256/hb172.16