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Herpetofaunal species including turtles are yet to receive the conservation attention they deserve, with the only exception being the Gharial considered the tiger of the herpetofauna group. The condition of turtles is pitiful in Nepal. Many of the threats they face originate from anthropogenic sources that include shrinkage of habitat and pollution. Majority of the turtles in Nepal are listed as threatened species in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species including the softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica). This is a cause for concern and demands immediate intervention.  

Among the class of reptiles, turtles are the oldest, with 356 species documented globally. Nepal is home to 17 species and 19 sub-species of turtles. Turtles in natural habitat are reported from the forest and wetland of Nepal’s lowland regions. All other species of turtles, with the exception of the elongated tortoise, rely on wetlands and water resources in some way. Softshell turtles inhabit water resources like rivers, lakes, oxbows and ponds. This is one of the largest turtle species found in the Indian subcontinent distributed across Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi and Koshi rivers. The species deposits their eggs on sandbanks and makes use of riverbanks for basking during the summer. Usually they are observed near the Muggers or Gharials on the riverbank of the Tarai region. 

Softshell turtles possess the ability to maintain the water quality of aquatic systems also known as scavengers of aquatic ecosystems by consuming insects /phytoplankton.

Human population density is high in the Tarai region and the cascading impacts are seen on the ecosystem nearby. In recent years, dumping of solid waste in the riverbank is increasing which pollutes the aquatic bodies, thereby decreasing the availability of food for turtles. 

Furthermore, similar to the other turtle species, softshell turtles are experiencing mounting exploitation pressure. The potential of the individuals being captured and consumed before reaching sexual maturity is high in case of turtles, meaning all the turtles including the softshell turtles are more sensitive to exploitation pressure. Myths about medicinal values in turtle shells and consumption of turtle meat by some indigenous groups have also driven the turtle population into extinction. The Hindus, meanwhile, revere turtles as one of the avatars of god Vishnu and believe that keeping the species at home brings good luck and prosperity. This practice has encouraged the practice of snatching turtles from their natural habitat and keeping them as pets. 

In addition, natural predators like dogs, monitor lizards and jackals consume their eggs during nesting period and are responsible for population declination. In most of the cases those species are entangled either in plastic materials or gillnet during fishing. 

Threats like canalization of rivers have also caused problems like habitat fragmentation and shrinkage, disrupting the connection between the river ecosystem and wetlands. This directly disturbs the movement of the species in its habitat, resulting in the loss in genetic variation in species. 

Several anthropogenic pressures are creating stress on softshell turtles and their habitats, pushing them toward extinction. 

However, some initiatives have been working in terms of turtle conservation. TRCC (Turtle Rescue and Conservation Centre) Jhapa and a turtle breeding center in Chitwan have been working to conserve turtle species. However, their efforts are still insufficient to conserve the overall turtle species. Environment Protection and Study Centre (ENPROSC) has initiated Turtle talk Nepal with the aim of promoting the research and conservation of the turtle fauna in Nepal. Every year on May 23 they organize an event where conservationists discuss the wider issue of turtle research and conservation. However, the government’s involvement in turtle conservation activities are almost non-existent. 

Turtles are vital for the balance of the environment and they are facing threats from natural and anthropogenic factors. Thus, it is high time to care about the species and initiate a conservation program.  

The attraction of Nepalis towards keeping turtles as pets and the easy availability of the red-eared slider on online market stores requires attention of the researchers and policy makers. The red-eared slider is included on the list of the world’s 100 most invasive species, indicating these reptiles cause serious impact on biological diversity.

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a common semi-aquatic turtle native to North America. It is widely distributed across the globe mainly introduced through pet trade. It is a popular pet turtle across the world, and the popularity is often associated with their colorful appearance and relatively easy-care requirements. Aquarists find young red-eared sliders particularly appealing due to their small size and vivid color. But they grow rapidly into less attractive, aggressive large individuals requiring more space and other complex needs. 

They are very active and can escape from captivity and may also be released into nearby water bodies to get rid of the annoying pet after a while. These turtles have found their way to non-native water bodies when they escape accidentally or released intentionally by pet owners as they grow too large or become too difficult to care for. These turtles are known to outcompete native species as they can breed successfully in newer habitats. The process of invasion is supported by its characteristics of high fecundity, aggressive behavior, release of chemical cues and adaptability to new habitats.

As popular pets, the captive red eared slider can be found in various household aquariums, online marketplaces as well as in zoos in Nepal. This species is well established in wetlands such as Taudaha Lake in Kathmandu. The presence of red eared sliders was also noted in Chitwan according to a study. The distribution can be estimated to be wide as there is a lack of targeted studies on turtles in Nepal. Due to which the consequences caused by this exotic species on native turtle fauna of Nepal is unknown. The Nepalese turtle fauna consists of seventeen species and nineteen subspecies of native turtles. Of these, thirteen species are already listed in the threatened category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

It is obvious that this exotic turtle species competes for resources like food, basking site and nesting site with the native turtles. Red-eared sliders are omnivorous feeders and feed on both the plant and animal matter. The juveniles mostly prefer more plant food while mature turtles, especially females consume more animal matter in their diet posing serious threat to native species. It was found that it prey on new hatchlings and juveniles of native species and causes the populations of native species to decline.  As observed in captivity they can victimize water birds and native turtles (Lissemys punctata, Pangshura tecta) which can be predicted due to their aggressive behavior. Trachemys scripta species are identified as the potential carrier of various parasites and pathogens including Salmonella. 

All the species of turtles found in Nepal are listed under Appendix I or Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna). This means that the trade of native species is strictly prohibited and controlled. This exacerbates the import of exotic turtle species for household pets and market stores. There are many cases of rescue and confiscation of various turtle species by police from poachers and merchants. There may be presence of non-native species and the release of seized turtle species to natural habitats without proper protocols can be a threat to native turtles.

There is a lack of targeted studies and documentation  on the introduced faunal species, their impacts and invasive nature in Nepal. Likewise, there hasn’t been any documentation of red-eared slider turtles being established as invasive species in Nepal. However, they can be seen widely in captivity and occasionally being released into the wild. Being one of the worst invasive species in the world, the potentiality of red-eared slider turtles to become established in Nepalese freshwater ecosystems cannot be denied. Their high reproductive rate, adaptability to various habitats, and potential competition with native species for resources could lead to local extinction and ecological disruptions. When invasive species cause harm, it can be challenging and costly to manage and control. Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species through careful monitoring and regulations is crucial for protecting native biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

It is a good thing that the Ministry of Youth and Sports is formulating a new policy to bring national sports to the next levels. There is a lot of work to be done but asking for feedback, advice from the general population is certainly a great way to start.

A key way to elevate Nepal’s sports is to formulate a program for high potential achievers, an initiative that strategically identifies and supports athletes who have a real chance to compete at highest levels. I am talking about athletes whose performance is already very promising, athletes who have already shown their worth.

It is obviously essential to ensure that such a program is capable of selecting the most promising athletes when they are still very young rather than when they are already mature. Nepal could learn a few things from Australia, which has a very rigorous and holistic process of grooming the best potential competitors. It is not surprising for Australia that their athletes are among the best and Australia always stands very high for the medals won.

Something that perhaps might be discounted is that Australia has been investing a lot also in its adaptive sports athletes or para-athletes and they are among the best worldwide.

I am writing about this because Nepal also has dynamic para-athletes, who deserve a much higher level of recognition. This is the reason why the new policy being formulated should give equal chances to parasports to excel and compete in the region and worldwide. It is not just about equality and social justice. It is really about competition and giving a level playing field to athletes living with disabilities.

Nepal’s taekwondo is probably, at the moment, the most recognized para sport.

This is thanks to Palesha Goverdhan winning a bronze medal in the 2022 Asian Para Games in China and recently she was awarded the ‘Best Taekwondo Practitioner of the Year’. She is also going to represent Nepal at the upcoming Paralympics games in Paris. We should not forget that Shrijana Ghising has also been doing very well internationally with Para taekwondo.

Then there is also wheelchair basketball. It is very positive that Minister for Youth and Sports Biraj Bhakta Shrestha recently attended a two-day Intervalley Wheelchair basketball tournament organized by Nepal Spinal Cord Injury Sports Association (NSCISA), one of the pioneering organizations promoting adaptive sports in the country.

At the moment of writing, Nepal has the chance of having another top para-athlete competing in Paris, Keshav Thapa, the most successful para-table tennis athlete of the country.

I personally know Thapa for many years as he is also very active in the social sector, being a strong advocate for accessibility and for the rights of persons with disabilities and he is the founder of the Spinal Cord Injury Network Nepal (SCINN).

SCINN provides a family environment, including lodging and food to more than 20 youths living with spinal injury, many of whom are also wheelchair basketball players with the SCINN Wheelchair Basketball Team.

Thapa, who, according to the International Table Tennis Federation-Para Table Tennis (ITTF PTT)’s classification, currently is ranking at number 88 but he has a huge potential to raise the world ranking even further.

He is trying to find the resources to attend the Paralympic World Qualification Tournament, which is going to be held in Pattaya, Thailand from the 23rd of this month to till 26th.

This is the only way for him to be in Paris.

I am really wondering if the high potential program for promising athletes of the country were in place, where Keshav would be standing in the world ranking.

I am sure he could, confidently, be among the top 15-20 and certainly the best in South Asia and among the strongest competitors to the Chinese peers who have been dominating table tennis ever since.

What struck my interest in the work of Thapa is the fact that he is also very concerned with the whole development of the para-sector in Nepal.

It is outrageous that the country still has two different Paralympics Committees, one working with the government and the other with the International Paralympics Committee. I sincerely hope that Minister Shrestha uses his powers to solve this ridiculous conundrum.

It is a ridiculous situation because athletes like Thapa are slowed down, unsupported and mostly on their own to achieve the great things they aim for.

I recently had a chat with Thapa. We talked about his goals and aspirations but also about his concerns about para-sports in Nepal.

“Well, about my goals I have a dream to be a Paralympian and want to win an international medal for my nation. If I get a chance to participate in various competitions and have good training and exposure I trust myself that I can win an international medal. Ultimately, my goal is to be a Paralympian and I really want to work in the disability community.”

Despite being very focused to succeed in Thailand and then in Paris, Thapa really wants the whole para-sports to grow in the country.

“My priority will be on para sports development. Para sports have been helping me to make my life better such as mentally strong, physically fit and name and fame in the community”.

He further explained to me, “I feel proud that I am eligible to participate in Paralympic world qualification. It’s one great achievement in my life. I wish I can be a role model in the para sports sector and in this way, many other young fellows may inspire and be involved in the sports”.

I asked him what could be done to reverse the status quo.

“Overall, for promoting adaptive sports there should be encouragement and direct investment of government to para-athletes. There should be regular training, training equipment, expert manpower such as coach, disability-friendly playing grounds, financial support, chances to participate in national and international competition, and there should be salary for players so that adoptive sports can be boosted.”

I do not only hope that Thapa will qualify for Paris but also he will find the resources to be able to compete full time without being always overstressed about fundraising.

Big corporate houses have a big role to play.

This would be smart CSR, something that can truly make a difference while also elevating their corporate profiles.

I feel sorry that there are so many great athletes with disabilities in the country who are unable to shine. They are blocked, incapable of showing the nation and the whole world what they can do.

I truly hope that the new policy that Minister Shrestha is formulating will try to address this huge gap.

Para-taekwondo, para table tennis, wheelchair basketball, para-swimming, blind cricket are some of the disciplines where Nepal can show its brilliance and greatness while showcasing to the world its difficult but worthy journey toward inclusion and accessibility.

Views are personal

Stakeholders have expressed their concerns over the growing adverse effects of climate change on the Himalayas and called for urgent action to mitigate these impacts. Drawing the international community’s attention to this issue, they emphasized the need to reduce the effects of climate change on the region. They were speaking at the ‘International Dialogue on Mountains, People and Climate’, which began on Wednesday in Kathmandu.

In the opening ceremony of the dialogue hosted by Nepal, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal emphasized the urgent need for a unified mountain voice to address the escalating concerns about climate change. “I firmly believe that a unified mountain voice is urgently needed to address the growing concern about the effects of climate change on mountain communities and the ecosystem,” he said.

Dahal also highlighted the necessity of economic and technical cooperation for countries most affected by climate change. He noted that the impact of climate change on mountains is unprecedented and that mountainous countries, being on the front lines of the global climate crisis, are disproportionately burdened by its adverse effects. He called for collective resolve to address this pressing issue.

Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Dr Baikuntha Aryal, pointed out that climate change is causing snow and glaciers in the mountains to melt rapidly, transforming snow-capped peaks into bare rocks. He stressed the need for awareness of these adverse effects. “Last year’s international conference on climate change, COP28, also discussed the impact of climate change on the Himalayan region. We have succeeded in having this dialogue,” he said.

Aryal added that the mountains provide clean drinking water to 80 percent of the people living in these regions, emphasizing the necessity of protecting these vital water sources.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, advocated for the protection of the earth by addressing the issues caused by climate change. He noted that the Himalayas are particularly affected, with melting snow posing significant problems, and emphasized the need for joint efforts to mitigate these challenges.

Shrestha said that climate change will continue to negatively impact mountainous countries like Nepal. He stressed the importance of awareness about these adverse effects and the necessity of limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius to prevent the rapid escalation of climate-related problems.

Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Govinda Prasad Sharma, pointed out the risks faced by people in mountainous regions due to climate change. “Climate change is having an adverse effect on mountainous areas. Problems such as forest fires, melting snow, glacial lake outburst floods, and rising sea levels are increasing due to temperature rise,” he said. “The mountains and mountainous areas are at high risk due to the effects of climate change. It is necessary for everyone to pay attention in time to save the mountainous region from this crisis.”

Karen Welch, director of USAID, mentioned their ongoing partnership in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection in Nepal, and assured the continuation of this collaboration in the future.

Rosalaura Romeo of the Mountain Partnership Secretariat of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stated that experience exchange programs are crucial for addressing the challenges faced by mountain countries. She noted that scientific data on the impact of climate change in the Himalayan region has been established.

The special representative of Kyrgyzstan, Dinara Kemelova, highlighted that the world’s mountains are home to 30 percent of the global population and called for collective efforts to protect them. She emphasized the global importance of mountains as sources of clean drinking water and hydroelectric power.

Hanna Singer Hamdy, the resident coordinator of the United Nations in Nepal, underscored the adverse impact of climate change on the Himalayas and its inhabitants. She stressed the need for cooperation to protect the Himalayas.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, expressed concern that Bangladesh’s very existence might be threatened by the melting of snow in the Nepal Himalayas due to climate change. He explained that rapid snow melting in the Himalayas could lead to flooding and other problems in Bangladesh. The minister emphasized the urgency of adopting timely measures and maintaining alertness to mitigate the impact of climate change. He also stressed the importance of minimizing climate change impacts and enhancing adaptation efforts to secure climate resilience.

Chair of the UN Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA), Harry Vireau, highlighted that disasters such as floods and landslides are increasingly occurring due to the effects of climate change. He emphasized the need for collective solutions to address these impacts.

Experts from 25 countries are participating in the Global Dialogue. More than 200 representatives from mountainous and small island nations, including Nepal, as well as members of the international community, development partners, INGOs, the private sector, and civil society are attending the program.

The experts will deliberate on topics such as coordination, prioritizing, and strengthening climate-resilient activities based on mountain ecosystems.