Rare star tortoise spotted in Male Mahadeshwara reserve forest

CHAMARAJANAGAR: A star tortoise, which is usually found in dry and scrub forests, has been found the Male Mahadeshwara reserve forest in Hanur taluk by the Forest Department Staff. The star tortoise species is on the verge of extinction and is found only in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The star tortoise was spotted by Forest Department staff during routine patrolling. The staff recorded a video of the star tortoise as it emerged out of its shell and walked away.

The Indian star tortoise is among the Indian species most threatened by wildlife trade. It is rampantly smuggled to serve the illegal pet and animal parts trade. It has been listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List since 2016, as the population is thought to comprise more than 10,000 individuals, but with a declining trend.