216 Indian star tortoises being released in forests of TATR after being rescued from illegal wildlife trade in Mumbai and Thane
216 Indian star tortoises being released in forests of TATR after being rescued from illegal wildlife trade in Mumbai and Thane 216 Indian star tortoises being released in forests of TATR after being rescued from illegal wildlife trade in Mumbai and Thane 216 Indian star tortoises being released in forests of TATR after being rescued from illegal wildlife trade in Mumbai and Thane 216 Indian star tortoises being released in forests of TATR after being rescued from illegal wildlife trade in Mumbai and Thane Chandrapur: As many as 216 Indian star tortoises were given a new lease of life in the forests of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve after being rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Mumbai and Thane. Official sources said the tortoises were transported 800 km to Tadoba in a specially equipped wildlife rescue vehicle as part of a scientific rehabilitation initiative launched under Project STRIPES. The tortoises were released in selected forest areas at Palasgaon, Tadoba, Pandharpavani and Jamni, said Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Field Director Dr Prabhunath Shukla. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news.
Forest sources said that the rehabilitation effort also considered the sex ratio of the tortoises while selecting individuals for release, with the aim of enabling natural breeding and helping establish a viable, self-sustaining population. Special care of the tortoises was taken during the journey by Forest Department personnel and wildlife experts, who monitored their health and hydration. Indian star tortoises are among the most heavily trafficked reptiles in the illegal exotic pet trade. Many of the rescued reptiles had remained under the care of different institutions following seizures during anti-trafficking operations. Their return to a suitable natural habitat marks a crucial step from rescue and rehabilitation to conservation. The initiative has been jointly undertaken by Maharashtra Forest Department and Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW). It seeks to establish a structured mechanism for scientifically rehabilitating wildlife rescued from illegal trade and restoring them to their native ecosystems. Download the TOI App.
Tortoise Rehabilitation at Tadoba
Upon their arrival at Tadoba, a total of 216 tortoises underwent thorough medical examinations conducted by the park’s veterinary officer. After the assessments, the tortoises were given an overnight rest period. They were subsequently released in accordance with established wildlife rehabilitation protocols.