A recent study spearheaded by ecologists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), situated in Dehradun, made a critical discovery. They found over 90% of the potential distribution of the Sal forest tortoise lies outside the protected areas’ network. This research has brought to light the necessity to reevaluate and expand the current safeguarded regions to better protect the Sal Forest Tortoise.
Pertinence of the Study
The study brings together data from parts of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Its core finding is that the representation of the Sal Forest Tortoise in Northeast India’s protected areas, such as reserves, sanctuaries, etc., is minimal. This lack of representation poses a significant threat to the survival of the species.
Fire Zones and Their Impact
The research further discovered that 29% of the predicted distribution of the species falls within high-occurrence fire zones. The species primarily resides in Northeast India, where it frequently encounters jhum fires, which, while potentially enhancing the habitat for certain species, can be lethal for others. Direct contact with these fires not only kills the tortoises but also leads to catastrophic habitat loss.
The Current State of Sal Forest Tortoise
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the population of the species may have diminished by approximately 80% in the last three generations, or over 90 years. Known as the elongated tortoise or Indotestudo elongata, its habitat ranges over eastern and northern India, as well as Southeast Asia. The IUCN Red List designates it as critically endangered, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) places it under Appendix II. In 1972, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, it was placed in Schedule IV. The primary threats to the species are hunting for food and local use, such as decorative masks, as well as international wildlife trade.
About the Wildlife Institute of India
WII is a key player in guiding conservation efforts in the country. It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 1982 and based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Leveraging its expertise in the field, the institute offers various training programs and academic courses, along with providing advisory services in wildlife research and management. This recent study spearheaded by the wildlife experts from WII will play a critical role in shaping future policies and protective measures for the Sal forest tortoise.
This study has underscored the urgent need to reassess the existing protected areas and implement necessary protective measures to ensure the survival of the Sal Forest Tortoise. With the current data indicating a sharp decline in their population, prompt action is indeed the need of the hour.