As many as 97 endangered Indian Star Tortoises will be brought back to India after being illegally smuggled to Singapore. The 97 Star Tortoises will be released into the wild in the Northern part of Karnataka.
At present, the animals are undergoing quarantine while the Karnataka Forest Department and NGO Wildlife SOS (WSOS) are working towards the facilities for the tortoise’s repatriation.
To carry out the necessary formalities and discuss the situation the forest department and WSOS traveled to Singapore.
Once the tortoises are brought to India, the WSOS will keep the 97 animals at their field station in Koppal for observation for six months. After which the tortoises will be let into their natural habitat.
Chief Wildlife Warden Karnataka, Anur Reddy said, “Inspection of tortoises revealed that 85 tortoises were in good health & fit for immediate repatriation. Remaining 12 are under treatment & will be repatriated once they recover.”
The Indian Star Tortoise is an endangered species and has been protected under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The animal has also been listed under Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.) CITIES is a group that regulates international trade of wild animals or plants.
