Indian Star Tortoises
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: DH
Context: A total of 340 Indian Star Tortoises were successfully rehabilitated and released into the wild in Jogapur Reserve Forest, Chandrapur, marking a major milestone under the Turtle Rehabilitation Project (TRP).
About Indian Star Tortoises:
• Scientific Name: Geochelone elegans
• Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable CITES: Appendix I Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I
• Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
• Habitat & Distribution: Found in arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest India, South India, and Sri Lanka. Inhabit thorn scrub forests, semi-deserts, grasslands, and lowland dry forests.
• Found in arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest India, South India, and Sri Lanka.
• Inhabit thorn scrub forests, semi-deserts, grasslands, and lowland dry forests.
• Unique Features:
• Named for the distinct star-like patterns on their high-domed shell. Highly sought after in the illegal exotic pet trade. Mostly crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and flowers.
• Named for the distinct star-like patterns on their high-domed shell.
• Highly sought after in the illegal exotic pet trade.
• Mostly crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).
• Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and flowers.
About the Turtle Rehabilitation Project (TRP):
• What it is? A state-level conservation initiative addressing the surge in illegal trade and captivity of tortoises and turtles across Maharashtra.
• A state-level conservation initiative addressing the surge in illegal trade and captivity of tortoises and turtles across Maharashtra.
• Established In: The initiative began in late 2024, gaining momentum with its April 2025 mass release.
• Organisation involved: RESQ Charitable Trust and Maharashtra Forest Department.
• Key Objectives:
• Rehabilitate rescued tortoises and prepare them for reintegration into wild habitats Ensure post-release survival through medical care, environmental acclimatisation, and biometric monitoring Promote community awareness through school participation and local engagement
• Rehabilitate rescued tortoises and prepare them for reintegration into wild habitats
• Ensure post-release survival through medical care, environmental acclimatisation, and biometric monitoring
• Promote community awareness through school participation and local engagement