Indian star tortoise under threat

Problems

• The Indian star tortoise ( Geochelone elegans) is a beautiful and charismatic animal that inhabits the dry and scrub forests of South Asia. It is named after the distinctive star-shaped patterns on its shell, which help it blend in with its surroundings. However, this unique feature also makes it a target for illegal wildlife trade, as it is highly sought after by collectors and pet enthusiasts around the world.
  
  The Indian star tortoise is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is protected under Appendix I of CITES, which bans international trade of the species. Demand for these forest-dwelling animals—known for the striking yellow stars marking their shells—extends across Asia and beyond, even though it has been illegal to sell them internationally since 2019. The tortoises are also officially protected everywhere in nature—India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. 
  
  

• Pet trade

  The biggest threat to the Indian star tortoise, however, is the illegal pet trade. The tortoise is highly coveted by collectors and hobbyists worldwide, who are willing to pay high prices for it. The demand for the tortoise is especially high in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, and North America. According to a report by TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network, more than 6,000 Indian star tortoises were seized globally between 2000 and 2019, with an estimated value of over $1 million2. However, this number is likely only a fraction of the actual trade, as many tortoises are traded undetected or unreported.
  
  The illegal pet trade poses a serious threat to the survival of the Indian star tortoise, as it depletes the wild populations, disrupts the natural balance of the ecosystems, and exposes the tortoises to stress injury, disease, and death. Moreover, the tortoise is not an easy pet to care for, as it requires specific environmental conditions, diet, and health care. Many pet owners are unaware of or unable to provide these needs, resulting in poor welfare and high mortality of the captive tortoises.

• Habitat loss

  The Indian star tortoise is adapted to live in arid and semi-arid environments, where it can find shelter under rocks, bushes, or burrows. However, these habitats are being degraded and destroyed by human activities, such as agriculture, urbanization, mining, and infrastructure development. As a result, the tortoise loses its natural food sources, hiding places, and breeding sites and becomes more vulnerable to predators and diseases.
  
  The Indian star tortoise is a beautiful and fascinating species that deserve our respect and protection. However, it is facing many challenges that threaten its existence, such as illegal trade, habitat loss, and genetic diversity loss. To save the tortoise from extinction, we need to work together to conserve its habitat, stop its exploitation, and support its recovery. By doing so, we can ensure the survival of not only the tortoise but also the biodiversity and health of our planet.