Indian Star Tortoise
Indian Star Tortoises are native to Indian subcontinent. The species is found in three disjunct geographical areas:
■ northwestern India and extreme southeastern Pakistan;
■ southeastern India;
■ the island of Sri Lanka.
The numbers are decreasing. The most alarming factor is the continuous exploitation for international pet trade. The habitat destruction is also a threat.
Conservation
■ Included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2000, listed as Vulnerable (VU) since 2016.
■ The species is managed under the EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme).
■ Listed in Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, or Washington Convention).
Taxonomy
■ Phylum Chordata – chordates
■ Class Reptilia – reptiles
■ Order Testudines – turtles
■ Family Testudinidae – tortoises
■ Species Geochelone elegans – Indian Star Tortoise
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