Non-Native Chelonians In The National Zoological Collections Of Zoological Survey Of India

Abstract

The native species is the biological assets of a nation, however the non-native species is the threat for indigenous taxa. Thus, before describing any native or non-native species, it is required to thoroughly check the collateral information. As of now, many non-native species from different faunal group were invaded into the native eco-system and reported from India. In this study, we represent the check-list of non-native turtles and tortoises stored in National Zoological Collections of Zoological Survey of India to assure their taxonomic rank and distribution pattern. The list is enriched with the registration numbers, most recent species name, collection localities, conservation status, and other taxonomic information. This comparative data of 35 non-native turtles not only useful in taxonomic research, but also helpful to recognize the invasive species from India and quarantine regulation.