Soft shell turtles are among the most threatened groups of freshwater animals that are in need of urgent conservation
attention. In Kerala (South India), two species of freshwater turtles, the Indian black turtle or Indian pond terrapin,
Melanochelys trijuga coronata (Schweigger, 1812) and the Indian Flap-shelled turtle Lissemys punctata punctata
(Lacépède, 1788) are exploited from Vembanad lake and associated wetlands in Punnamada to meet the demand from
local restaurants and toddy shops. Eight hundred and forty three individuals belonging to the two species (499 pond
terrapins and 344 flap-shelled turtle) were observed during a field survey conducted in 2007 at Punnamada. Despite being
listed at the highest level in the Indian wildlife protection act, very little law enforcement takes place and turtles are
exploited and traded regularly. Collection and trade have also become an important component of the local livelihoods in
Punnamada, with the involvement of around five full-time and 25 part-time collectors. Details of the collection, marketing,
economics and management of the freshwater turtles in Punnamada are discussed.