Elongated Tortoise Faces Extinction

The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) is a medium-sized tortoise that belongs to the family Testudinidae. This species is distributed across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This species was introduced to China but is native to other countries.

In the case of Nepal, this species is restricted to terai vegetation zones due to the conversion of land into agricultural zones. It is the only terrestrial tortoise found in Nepal. It is listed as a critically endangered species of the IUCN , and it is under Appendix II of CITIES. Elongated tortoises mainly inhabit Shorea robusta, dry dipterocarp, mixed deciduous forest with open, broken canopy up to 1000 m from mean sea level.

It is usually seen during the early morning and late afternoon, avoiding high temperatures. During the daytime, tortoises hide under dense vegetation, leaf litter, fallen trees, buttresses of plants, caves, or burrows. This species requires a large area with suitable habitat for protection due to its large home range.

The species is threatened by forest fire, habitat loss, and overexploitation . It has been used by human beings as a source of food and medicine and has also been traded as a pet animal. It is highly exploited for food and medicine throughout its range. This species occurs in the Sal Forest; sal flowers are collected for medicinal purposes due to the extensive collection of tortoises as well. However, deliberate hunting also occurs often with the aid of dogs. 

IUCN reported that most of the species of reptiles that belong to the order Testudine are more endangered than large mammals like snow leopards, tigers, elephants, or rhinos. 

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES) states that illegal trade and transportation of elongated tortoises are punishable by 2–10 years of custody, a fine of Rs 100,000–500,000, or both . Few conservation programmes have been initiated in the country but are not sufficient. It reported the first breeding of elongated tortoises at the Turtle Rescue and Conservation Centre in Jhapa, Nepal. Chitwan National Park is also rearing and releasing the tortoises. 

Some of the research activities are initiated in Nepal, which is funded by IdeaWild, the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF), the British Herpetological Society, and local bodies and organizations.  Conserving tortoises requires a multifaceted approach encompassing education, research, conservation programmes, law enforcement, habitat protection, community involvement, and international collaboration. 

Research efforts are crucial for understanding population dynamics, behaviours, ecological needs, conservation issues, and potential threats, which provide valuable insights for conservation. The involvement of local agencies and communities is an essential component for the long-term conservation of species and the success of any programme. Through the integration of these approaches, tortoise conservation can be achieved, ensuring the preservation of the iconic species for future generations.

(Khanal is persuing higher education in Forestry at Institute of Forestry, Hetauda.)