The Fading Star...

Vijay with Indian Star Tortoise

The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), though commonly seen in zoos has not been taken seriously in the wild. Illegal trading of these Starred Tortoises in India has helped adorn many a home across the globe. Although not yet endangered, rampant trading of these animals could pose a serious threat to their existence.

The Indian Star Tortoise grows to around 280mm along its carapace (bony upper shield of the tortoise), the females being larger than the males. The carapace is striking with a black background, which is accentuated with radiating yellow streaks diverging from a yellow bump called the areola. This gives it a star- like appearance from where it derives its name Star Tortoise. They are omnivores but inclined to be vegetarians. Their diet consists mainly of different kinds of grass, fallen fruits, flowers and occasionally snails. Not much is known about their predators, thus leaving the food chain incomplete. The Indian Star Tortoise is specific to the Indian sub-continent. In the north they are found in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. In South India they are found in the Chitoor & Madannepalle districts of Andhra Pradesh, Kolar district of Karnataka, Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala. Apart from India they are also seen in Southeastern Pakistan & Sri Lanka.

Rescued Indian Star Tortoises in Hyderabad Zoo

The number of animals could have reduced in the wild due to their trafficking from India to other parts of the world. Though not listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Indian Star Tortoise is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, making trade in the species illegal. In spite of this, these exotic animals are sold as pets to far off places for a whopping $400 to $800 each. They are captured from the wild and transported through different means to the trade market. Some are seized at various junctions and get released into the wild, from where they are captured again for selling. Many of the seized animals are also sent to the zoos. As not much information on the captive management of the species is available, there is a high rate of mortality in the zoos. A Rocha India has completed research on the Indian Star Tortoise for the Wild Life Trust of India, New Delhi, and has published a report on the findings. This report has helped in gaining information on the species particularly their distribution, behavior and management in captivity. For copies of the report, please email us at india@arocha.org