During one of the heavy rains at the end of October, an Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) was caught in the floodwaters and washed into Pali Tirtham. Being a land tortoise rather than an aquatic turtle, the hapless creature struggled to find its way out, eventually reaching the silt sump near the Ashram Dispensary. With the tank’s high walls, escape would have been difficult. Fortunately, an observant devotee recognised its predicament and came to the rescue.

 

The Indian Star Tortoise is native to India, inhabiting grasslands, scrub forests and semi-arid regions. Growing up to 25 cm long, it is distinguished by its domed black shell, adorned with radiating yellow markings resembling stars. This striking pattern provides camouflage among grasses and vegetation. It feeds on grass, leaves, flowers and fallen fruit. Females are larger than males, while the shell’s rounded shape helps the animal right itself when overturned.

 

Listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, the species faces mounting threats from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking. Since 2019, it has enjoyed protection under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix I, which prohibits commercial international trade. The species is particularly vulnerable to capture because of its attractive shell and popularity in the exotic pet trade. Ramanasramam is happy to count this threatened species among the inhabitants of its grounds and gardens. —