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Title Situation of the Euphrates Soft Shelled Turtle and its Habitat in Iran
Type Presentation
Keywords Rafetus euphraticus, Habitat, Iran, Reptiles
Abstract The Euphrates soft-shelled turtle, Rafetus euphraticus is one of the less known species of the Trionychidae. It is found only in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers and their tributaries of Iran, Turkey, Syria and Iraq. Its range is limited to Khuzestan Province of Iran. In the course of this study, habitats of the species were investigated along Karkheh, Dez and Karoon Rivers and their tributaries in Khuzestan Province. According to findings of the research, habitat destruction, pollution and fisheries interactions are main threatening factors. Its also evident that for conservation of the species more information is needed on biology, habitats and relationships of local communities with the species.
Researchers Ertan Taskavak (Second Researcher), Hanyeh Ghaffari (First Researcher)