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Alert Farmer Rescues Rare Star Tortoise
20 May
Summary
- A farmer's quick action led to the rescue of a rare Indian Star Tortoise.
- The tortoise is listed as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN and protected by law.
- The rescued reptile was transferred to a conservation facility in Gandhi Sagar.
A farmer's vigilance in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, resulted in the rescue of a rare Indian Star Tortoise. While working in his field, Mahendra Prajapati spotted the reptile, distinguished by its unique yellow-star markings. Recognizing the animal's vulnerability, he alerted the forest department.
Forest officials confirmed the species as an Indian Star Tortoise, noting its 'vulnerable' status on the IUCN Red List and protection under the Wildlife Protection Act. These tortoises are seldom seen in the region, despite its suitable climate. Officials emphasized the threats the species faces from poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.
The rescued tortoise, found to be healthy, was transferred on Tuesday to a conservation facility at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Mandsaur. It will undergo examination and care before being rehabilitated into a protected natural habitat, making this rescue significant for biodiversity conservation in central India.
