As Reported by: Neha Panchamiya

RESQ Charitable Trust returns the wild 120 Indian Star Tortoises seized from the illegal wildlife trade. This release is significant in marking a public-private collaboration of a ‘Reptile Transit Unit’ (RTU) to re-wild animals seized from illegal trafficking, and demonstrates a commitment to returning poached wildlife to the wild.

In July 2021, the Reptile Transit Unit operated by RCT and Maharashtra Forest Department distributed a Captive Turtle Data Collection Form to all Range Forest Officers in the state. A total of 217 turtles seized from the illegal trade were reported, including several Schedule I and IV protected species like Black Spotted Pond Turtles, Indian Roof Turtles, Tricarinate Hill Turtle, Indian Tent Turtles, Elongated Tortoise and Indian Star Tortoises. RCT organised the logistics to collect and transport all these turtles to the RTU located at the RESQCT Wildlife TTC in Pune. 

In the RTU at the RESQ Wildlife TTC, the turtles were provided quarantine and medical care for 4 weeks where they were observed for symptoms of disease and pre-release wellness examinations by Wildlife Veterinarians at RCT, Dr. Sushruth Shirbhate and Dr. Nikita Mehta.

This was followed by 4 weeks of intensive rehabilitation, planned and executed by reptile rehabilitators, Nishanth Ravi and Sonesh Ingole, to transition them from their previous captive diets to one that they would get in the wild. At the end of this process, 120 Indian Star Tortoises were ready to return to the wild.  

On Friday, 29th October, 120 Indian Star Tortoises were transferred from the RESQ Wildlife TTC (Pune) to Chandrapur side and were successfully released.

Tuhin Satarkar and Naresh Chandak from the RESQ Team reported that most tortoises confidently scrambled away on being released and he noticed several immediately began eating the grass in the area that they were released.

These releases show that RESQ and Maharashtra Forest Department are devoted to returning wildlife to their rightful place in the wild, whenever it is possible. The rest of the turtles in the RTU (80+ individuals) who do not have distribution in our state will be returned to locations in India with the help of other partners like Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and collaboration with other states Forest Departments.

For help related to any wildlife or animal rescue, do reach out Resq Charitable Trust on call 9172511100

Picture Credits: RESQ Charitable Trust