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Indian star tortoise
Why is it in news?
- Customs officials seized 490 Indian star tortoises when they were about to be smuggled out of Chennai harbour.
- As it is prohibited to do so under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the star tortoises were seized under the Customs Act, 1962, read with Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the release said.
- In countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, there is a huge demand for star tortoises.
- They are traded usually for use in traditional medicines, for food and also to be kept as exotic pets.
Indian star tortoise
- The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a threatened species of tortoise found in dry areas and scrub forest in India and Sri Lanka.
- This species is quite popular in the exotic pet trade, which is the main reason it is endangered
- IUCN: Vulnerable
Source
The Hindu