Rare tortoise brought to Van Vihar Park
| Date :17-Sep-2019 |
Staff Reporter :
A rare species of 16-year-old tortoise has been brought to Van Vihar National Park, Bhopal, after being rescued from Damkheda area. The tortoise has been left free in the enclosure especially made for the tortoise. A flying squad team from the Forest Department rescued the tortoise from a water source in Damkheda area on Sunday late night. R K Chaturvedi, in-charge of the flying squad team from Bhopal forest circle informed that the tortoise was spotted by locals of the area at the bank of Damkheda river. The team reached the spot and rescued the reptile.
It weights around 80 kg. He further informed that tortoise can live 300 years and their weight can touch 150 kilogram. He further said plying squad team is monitoring all the areas around water sources to keep the reptiles and other wildlife safe from poachers. Searching and patrolling has been increased. He said as all water sources are over flooded, different categories of species is coming at the bank and poachers can take advantage of this.
He said that poachers have made Bhopal as transit point for trade of tortoise and other few species. Poachers are using women and children for capturing the species to stay away from controversies. He said demand of Red Crowned Roofed tortoise and Indian star are being poached in higher number from Bhopal and nearby areas.