Morphometric Measurements of the Euphrates Soft-shelled Turtle, Rafetus euphraticus,, in the Central Marshes, Iraq

Abstract

     The Euphrates soft-shell turtle Rafetus euphraticus is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List and is thought to have recently undergone large population declines. Species information in Iraq is limited to a few rapid surveys with little detailed information on its breeding and distribution. Turtles have been recorded inside the water by setting nets in certain areas in the Central Marshes. Morphometric measurements were recorded in Euphrates soft-shelled turtles Rafetus euphraticus, sampled in the Central Marshes. According to nine morphometric ratios, the populations of R. euphraticus in the Central Marshes are smaller in size than previous specimens that have been recorded in neighboring countries. The carapaces length (CL) rang for current study was 70 to 560 mm, whereas it was 187 to 680 mm according to a previous study. The carapaces width (CW) rang for the current study was 63 to 420 mm, while in a previous study it was recorded to be 152 to 465 mm.