Context:
Study brings Indian star tortoise to evidence-based conservation.
Indian Star Tortoise:
- Geographical Range: Found in the central and southern parts of India, West Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- Natural Habitat: Prefers scrub forests, arid regions, and semi-desert areas.
- Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on grasses, fruits, and flowers.
- Reproduction: Lays eggs in shallow nests dug in the ground.
- Physical Characteristics –
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males have long tails, while females have short and stubby tails.
- Activity: Diurnal, mostly active in the morning and late afternoon.
- Conservation Status –
- IUCN Status: Listed as Vulnerable.
- CITES: Included in Appendix I, which provides the highest level of protection from international commercial trade.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule IV.
- Threats
- Habitat Loss: Due to urbanization, agricultural expansion, and habitat fragmentation.
- Illegal Trade: Highly sought after in the international pet market, leading to rampant illegal trade.
- Conservation Efforts –
- CITES CoP18: In 2019, the Indian Star Tortoise was up-listed to Appendix I from Appendix II due to over-exploitation.
- Genetic Database: India has initiated the creation of a genetic database for the Indian Star Tortoise, maintained by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), to aid in conservation efforts.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Consider the following fauna of India:
1. Gharial
2. Leatherback turtle
3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are critically endangered?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (a)
