The Indian star tortoise, an often overlooked creature native to the Indian sub-continent, has unfortunately been in the news recently for undesirable reasons. There has been a confirmed report of these creatures being smuggled from Andhra Pradesh to Odisha. This article will examine their habitat, current protection status, threats they face and conservation efforts.
Habitat of the Indian Star Tortoise
The Indian star tortoise is primarily found in the Central and Southern regions of India. However, its habitat also extends to West Pakistan and the island nation of Sri Lanka. This species of tortoise typically prefers dry areas and scrub forests.
Protection Status
The Indian star tortoise falls under Schedule IV of the Wild Life Protection Act 1972. This classification means they are a protected species but not presently endangered. The penalty associated with violation of this Schedule is less severe than those listed under Schedules I and II. In addition, the Indian star tortoise is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Species (CITES), indicating that it is one of the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants.
Threats faced by the Species
There are two primary threats currently facing the Indian star tortoise. The first is the loss of its natural habitat due to agricultural expansion. The second threat stems from illegal harvesting for the pet trade. According to data from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, 90% of the trade involving the star tortoise is linked to the international pet market. If this level of exploitation continues unabated or expands, it has been predicted that the species could see a decline of more than 30% by 2025.
Conservation Efforts
In an effort to mitigate the risks facing the Indian star tortoise, there have been moves to upgrade their protection status. Recently, India’s proposal to upgrade the Star Tortoise from Appendix II to Appendix I was approved by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This move signifies increased regulatory protection for the species.
The conservation and sustainability of the Indian star tortoise will require collective global efforts. It is hoped that through additional protective measures and increased awareness, the illegal trade that threatens this species can be significantly reduced, allowing populations to grow and thrive amid their natural habitats.
This article, in summarizing the home, status, perils, and preservation plans for the Indian star tortoise, makes it clear that all wildlife forms an integral part of our ecosystem. For a balanced and biodiverse environment, each creature, no matter how small or large, holds importance, and it becomes our responsibility to ensure its survival and prosperity.
