Hibernation Ecology of <i>Pila globosa</i> Swainson in Chalan Beel, Bangladesh

<i>Pila globosa </i>Swainson is the most important aquatic animal which is found in the aquatic environment of Bangladesh. <i>Pila globosa</i> is entered in the hibernation due to passing of unfavorable environmental conditions. It is acted as a good bio-indicator and lives in nutrient rich shallow aquatic environments. Different types of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and aquatic plants are used as sources of food such as algae, diatoms, <i>Vallisneria spiralis</i> L., <i>Commelina diffusa</i> Burm. L., <i>Enhydra flactuans</i> Lour., and <i>Pistia stratiotes</i> L. etc. It is chosen hibernation period due to lack of sufficient food and environmental conditions. <i>Pila globosa</i> is found at Chalan beel area which is the best habitat in the context of Bangladesh. The main aim of the study was to determine hibernation period, edaphic criteria and habitat of <i>Pila globosa</i> of the Chalan beel area. The study revealed that hibernation period was started by end of October to November and the peak hibernation period was December and continue to February. <i>Pila globosa</i> is normally semi-dormant, but if food and water are available, some individuals may stay active during the hibernation period. The present study was conducted on the following parameters of soil and indicated that calcium, sodium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, and electrical conductivity were 44.08 mg/100 g, 0.38 mg/100 g, 5.07 mg/100 g, 4.18 µg/g, 111.48 µg/g, 20.77 µg/g etc. respectively. Water was nature in slight acidic and its pH value was 5.7. The maximum <i>P. globosa</i> was found in the shallow waterbodies, where the water level was 3 to 5 inches. It was also found in dense aquatic vegetation areas where food was easily collected and take shelter for laying eggs. Actually, it is identified as an ideal bio-indicator because of their ability to respond oxygen availability and nutrient enrichment. The findings of the study indicates that <i>P. globosa</i> is an essential component of the aquatic environment which plays a vital role in improving of sustainable aquatic ecosystem development. Furthermore research is needed to improve the habitats of <i>P. globosa</i> for protection and conservation in the whole aquatic bodies of Bangladesh.