The Indian Star Tortoise is threatened by a booming illegal trade, due to their growing international demand as exotic pets, reaching as far as Thailand and China. In a study conducted by World Animal Protection, researchers have established that more than 55,000 tortoises are being poached from a single location in southern parts of Tamil Nadu each year alone. The study has also identified the clandestine trade routes that are through certain metros in the country.
As per the study, it is kept as exotic pets or for spiritual purposes across Asia, found in private homes and in religious temples. Their star-like yellow patterns across their shells make them an attractive animal and are considered a good omen. In one Shiva temple, there were 11 tortoises, with representatives confirming they are believed to be the living incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.
“Sophisticated criminal gangs are exploiting both impoverished rural communities and urban consumers in India. Neither group is fully aware how their actions are threatening the welfare and conservation of these tortoises,” said the study leader Neil D’Cruze
The number of tortoises being traded is up to six times higher than it was a decade ago and collectors sell to vendors for between Rs50 to Rs300 per animal, depending on its age and health. The demand is usually highest for juvenile tortoises. They are usually transported by being wrapped up in cloth, packed into suitcases and covered by legal produce like fruit and vegetables.
According to researchers, these tortoises are transported within India to several main traders either by road or by rail. Some of these routes identified include the national highway on the eastern coast of the country joining Chennai with Kolkata. Reference has also been made of the railway route linking Anantapur and Chittoor to Guwahati via Kolkata.
The study after communication with Thai enforcement officials confirmed that cargo boats in Kolkata are also used to transport tortoises to other Asian countries including Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand .
International passengers also act as couriers taking flights direct from Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai or indirect via Dhaka into Thailand's Suvarnabhumi International Airport Alternatively, porous borders are utilised to transport tortoises into Bangladesh for further air transport into Thailand.
Meanwhile, the thorn scrub forests located along the borders of the southern Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu besides the Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat were found to be the habitats of star tortoises.