Indian Star Tortoise — IUCN Status, CITES Appendix I & Wildlife Protection


Scientific Name

Geochelone elegans

Distribution

  • India.

  • Pakistan.

  • Sri Lanka.

Habitat

  • Dry regions.

  • Scrublands.

  • Grasslands.

  • Semi-arid landscapes.

Conservation Status

  • IUCN: Vulnerable.

  • CITES: Appendix I.

  • Major threat → illegal wildlife/pet trade and habitat loss.

Why in News?

Indian star tortoises are frequently involved in wildlife-smuggling cases because of demand in the illegal exotic-pet trade.

Prelims Trap

IUCN status = Vulnerable, NOT Critically Endangered.

CITES Appendix I → strongest restrictions on international commercial trade.