ELONGATED TORTOISE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, the elongated tortoise was spotted in Haryana’s Damdama area during a research survey in the Aravallis.

Elongated Tortoise

• About: The tortoise is medium-sized, featuring a yellowish brown or olive shell with distinct black blotches at the center of each scute.
• Nostril Ring: A pink ring appears on the nostril during the breeding season.

• Seasonal Coloration: Mature individuals of both sexes develop a pinkish color around the nostrils and eyes during the breeding season.
• Geographic Distribution:
• Southeast Asia Range: Found in Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests across Southeast Asia, including northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, Guangxi Province of China, and Peninsular Malaysia.
• Population: A separate population exists in the Chota Nagpur plateau in eastern India.
• Habitat: Lowlands and foothills up to 1,000 meters above sea level.
• Conservation Status:

oIUCN Red List: Elongated tortoises were assessed by the IUCN in 2018 and are listed as critically endangered under criteria A2cd.