216 star tortoises rescued from trafficking

The Maharashtra Forest Department and Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) have launched Project STRIPES for the rehabilitation and repatriation of the species

Mumbai: A total of 216 rescued Indian star tortoises from Mumbai and Thane have been moved to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur as part of a new project to rehabilitate and return trafficked tortoises to suitable habitats.

216 star tortoises rescued from trafficking

The Maharashtra Forest Department and Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) have launched Project STRIPES for the rehabilitation and repatriation of the species.

The tortoises were rescued or seized in separate operations in Mumbai and Thane, including cases linked to illegal wildlife trafficking. Of the 216 tortoises, RAWW cared for 150, while the others were housed at the Forest Department’s Thane Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) and other facilities.

Under the project, rescued star tortoises will be assessed and rehabilitated before being considered for release in suitable natural habitats. The Forest Department and RAWW also plan to conduct similar repatriation exercises periodically.

A 10-member team of wildlife experts, Forest Department staff, and RAWW personnel carried out the latest transfer.The operation was conducted under the supervision of forest officials from Mumbai and Thane and the guidance of Maharashtra Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Sreenivas Reddy.