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216 Indian Star Tortoises released in Tadoba Tiger Reserve
The Maharashtra Forest Department and Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) have released 216 rescued Indian Star Tortoises into Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), marking the launch of Project STRIPES. The tortoises…
The Maharashtra Forest Department and Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) have released 216 rescued Indian Star Tortoises into Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), marking the launch of Project STRIPES. The tortoises were seized during anti-trafficking operations in Mumbai and Thane, with 150 rehabilitated by RAWW and the rest from other centres.
The reptiles were transported over 800 km in a specialised ambulance with ventilated carriers and cushions. Upon arrival, they underwent medical checks and were released batchwise with a calculated male-to-female ratio for population sustainability. The operation involved a 10-member team under senior forest department officials.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Indian Star Tortoise is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, giving it the highest protection. Its shell is prized in the illegal pet trade, especially in Southeast Asia. Seizures in Mumbai markets are frequent. This structured repatriation programme addresses a long-standing gap: trafficked tortoises were often kept in captivity without a clear release protocol. The next challenge will be monitoring survival rates in the wild and ensuring poaching does not recur in the release zone.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
