Slow and Steady loss of race of Indian Star Tortoises

Context

A recent study shows that the Indian Star Tortoises (Geocheloneelegansare vanishing slowly and steadily.

About the Indian Star Tortoise

• India is home to the Indian star tortoise’s largest wild population. The natural range of these tortoises encompasses India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Features: It shows certain characteristic features such as:
  • characteristically ornate carapace
  • an adaptation for camouflage
  • survival in arid deciduous habitats
• Threat: This species is quite popular in the exotic pet trade, which is the main reason it is endangered.
• Conservation Status:
• Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
  • It is placed in schedule IV of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
  • It is placed in the Critically Endangered category of IUCN.