Indian Star Tortoise

Indian Star Tortoise

An extensive loss in the genetic diversity and habitat of the Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) has been linked to illegal commerce and ill-informed translocations, according to a recent study.
The study urges the use of scientific breeding and argues for an appropriate conservation strategy to deal with the species' fragmented distribution.

What are the Indian Star Tortoise's Key Facts?

Habitat: Indian star tortoises can be found all throughout the Indian subcontinent, notably in West Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Central and Southern regions of India.
It frequently inhabits arid, open environments including grasslands, scrub woodlands, and rocky outcrops.

Threat:

The species is dealing with two problems: one is a threat to its habitat, and the other is a loss of genetic diversity.
An growing amount of urbanization and agricultural operations have a significant impact on the species' extremely fragmented habitat.
The genetic diversity of Indian star tortoises has been reduced as a result of the subsequent hybridization of these species over time.
Additionally, according to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, the foreign pet market accounts for 90% of the traffic in star tortoises.

Protection Status:

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
Wild Life Protection Act 1972: Schedule IV
Schedule IV: This list is for species that are not endangered. It includes protected species but the penalty for any violation is less compared to Schedules I and II.
Convention on International Trade in Species (CITES): Appendix I.

Source: The Hindu

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