About

• The Indian star tortoise is a small to medium sized tortoise, known for its distinctive star shaped shell.
• It is found in habitats, ranging from arid regions, grassy plains and moist deciduous forests.
• The Indian star tortoise is endemic to the Indian subcontinent and can be found in northwest India, South India, and Sri Lanka. 
• It is herbivorous in its diet and primarily feeds on grasses, herbs, and fruits.
• It is diurnal and active during the day.

Threats

• Illegal trafficking of Indian star tortoises as exotic pets and preparation of traditional medicines, continues to remain a significant threat to this species.
  • Captive star tortoises develop pyramid shells due to nutritional deficiencies.
• Clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development has significantly reduced the natural habitat of Indian star tortoises.
• Star tortoises are extremely susceptible to pneumonia and respiratory diseases, which often leads to fatalities among individuals.
• Higher temperatures due to climate change, can stress the tortoises, especially during the breeding season, affecting the viability of their population.

Conservation status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• Wildlife Protection Act (2022): Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix I