In News:

In a significant conservation achievement under the Turtle Rehabilitation Project (TRP), 340 Indian Star Tortoises were successfully released into the wild at Jogapur Reserve Forest, located in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra.

Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

• IUCN Status:Vulnerable
• CITES Listing:Appendix I
• Protection under Indian Law:Schedule I, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Habitat & Range:

• Native to Northwest India, Southern India, and Sri Lanka
• Prefers arid and semi-arid ecosystems including scrublands, dry forests, grasslands, and semi-deserts

Key Characteristics:

• Recognizable by the radiating star-like patterns on its domed shell
• Faces high poaching pressure due to demand in the illegal exotic pet trade
• Exhibits crepuscular behavior (most active during dawn and dusk)
• Primarily herbivorous, consuming grasses, flowers, and leafy vegetation

Turtle Rehabilitation Project (TRP): A Conservation Initiative

• Launched: Late 2024; witnessed a major release event in April 2025
• Implemented By: Maharashtra Forest Department in collaboration with RESQ Charitable Trust

Objectives:

• Rescue and rehabilitate illegally trafficked tortoises and turtles
• Facilitate safe reintroduction into natural habitats through:
  • Medical treatment
  • Acclimatization to wild conditions
  • Biometric tracking for post-release monitoring
• Raise public awareness via community engagement and school outreach