Anweshan Patra

Sea snakes contribute significantly to food chains and biodiversity in tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems but face threats from bycatch, overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss. Here, we investigate bycatch composition, genetic diversity, and phylogeography of Indian sea snakes. Sea snakes obtained from fishing bycatch from coastal areas of India were surveyed and used to generate population structure, connectivity, and phylogeographic patterns using three mitochondrial markers. Field surveys recorded 117 bycatch specimens, identifying five species, with Hydrophis schistosus being the most abundant (51%) and Hydrophis cyanocinctus the rarest (1%). While Hydrophis platurus exhibits widespread genetic similarity across the Indo-Pacific, several other species, including Hydrophis curtus and Hydrophis schistosus, display deep divergence between eastern and western populations, suggesting possible species-level separation. Hydrophis caerulescens and Hydrophis cyanocinctus exhibit similar marked east–west phylogeographic splits, indicating limited gene flow and historical isolation. Our findings emphasize the importance of widespread sampling in understanding population structuring and the processes underlying genetic divergence over the large distances encompassed by the Indian and western Pacific oceans. Seasonal variation in bycatch and the predominance of bottom trawling suggests that conservation strategies to mitigate fishing impacts and to preserve genetic diversity of sea snakes in this region are needed.

Despite extensive research on biodiversity patterns, significant gaps remain in our understanding of species’ geographic distributions, representing a persistent Wallacean shortfall. The Godda Forest Division of Jharkhand state, located in the eastern part of India, remains largely unexplored with respect to amphibian diversity. In this study, we present the results of a six-month field survey conducted in the Godda Forest Division of Jharkhand spanning the summer and monsoon seasons. Phylogenetic analyses using 16S rRNA gene sequences were used to resolve the identification of taxonomically cryptic species. The survey documented 19 anuran species belonging to four families and 11 genera. These findings provide essential baseline information and underscore the need for systematic herpetofauna assessments across Jharkhand.

Background: Snakebite envenoming is a critical medical emergency and significant global public health issue, with India experiencing the highest annual snakebite deaths. Sea snakes in the Indian Ocean pose a severe threat to rural fishermen due to their potent neurotoxins. Methods: From December 2020 to December 2021, we conducted surveys at 15 fishing ports in East Medinipur, West Bengal, and Balasore, Odisha, India (between 21.805651 N 87.874188 E and 21.574851 N 87.374059 E). We interviewed 2301 fishermen in 421 group sessions to document sea snake bite incidents, outcomes and perceptions from 2012 onwards. Historical data were also retrieved from various databases and social media platforms. Results: We recorded 166 sea snake bite cases, with 55.4% fatalities, 2.4% permanent disabilities and 41% survivors. Gill net fishermen were the most affected, with most bites occurring while handling snakes caught in nets, particularly at dawn and dusk. Fishermen reported a significant decline in sea snake populations over the past decade due to by-catch and killing practices. Conclusions: Sea snake bites are a major occupational hazard for Indian fishermen, with high fatality rates due to limited medical access. Increased awareness, safer handling practices and improved medical infrastructure are essential to reduce mortality and conserve sea snake populations. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions in affected communities.

The Indian flapshell turtle Lissemys punctata is a freshwater softshell turtle species distributed throughout Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Here, we report first observation of melanism in L. punctata among rescued turtles from a turtle trading market. Although L. punctata is under Schedule-I in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 of India still it sold in open markets in different parts of West Bengal. A systematic market survey and study on community perception are needed to understand the dynamics and factors influencing turtle trading in West Bengal. Enforcement of laws and mass community awareness are suggested to stop illegal turtle trading and consumption.