A new discovery in the world of reptiles was experienced in Arunachal Pradesh, India, where a tortoise named ‘Manouria impressa’ was found. Manouria is a genus of tortoises, and impressa is one of the only four species of forest-dwelling tortoises found in Southeast Asia. The finding is significant as this tortoise is smaller than its counterparts in the same genus, Manouria oyamai and Manouria punjabiensis, and a bit downsize to the larger Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emys).
Geographical Expanse of Manouria Impressa
Before this discovery, the Manouria impressa was thought to be limited to western Myanmar, while other small pockets were known to exist in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, southern China, and Peninsular Malaysia. The last known location of this species was in Gwa, Myanmar. Despite its wide geographical expanse, this turtle species is threatened by various human activities, primarily poaching for traditional medicines and the pet trade.
Conservation Status
Recognizing the threats faced by this tortoise species, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified it as Vulnerable. Additionally, it is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which monitors and regulates the trade of species to ensure their survival.
Facts about Manouria Impressa
| Name | Geographical Range | Conservation Status | Threats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manouria Impressa | Western Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Southern China, Peninsular Malaysia, Arunachal Pradesh | Vulnerable (IUCN), Listed on CITES Appendix II | Poaching for Traditional Medicine and Pet Trade |
The Asian Forest Tortoise
Another significant species in the Manouria genus is the Asian Forest Tortoise, also known as the Asian brown tortoise (Manouria emys). This tortoise specie has a wider geographical range, extending to India (Assam), Bangladesh, Burma (or Myanmar), Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo).
The Asian Forest Tortoise holds the title of being the largest tortoise in mainland Asia. However, it is relatively rare and faces the threat of extinction. Like its relative, the Manouria impressa, the Asian Forest Tortoise is also listed on Appendix II of CITES and is classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Its large size and the rarity make it a prime target for poaching and illegal trade. A collaborative global effort is required to ensure the survival of these unique and significant tortoise species from Asia.