Why in news?
Ten critically endangered Asian giant tortoises were released into the Zeliang Community Reserve in Nagaland in August 2025 as part of a reintroduction programme.
About the species
- Commonly called the Asian giant tortoise or the “small elephant of the forest,” its scientific name is Manouria emys. It is the largest land tortoise in mainland Asia.
- Appearance: Adults can measure up to 60 cm and weigh over 35 kg. They have dark‑brown, domed shells and thick limbs resembling an elephant’s.
- Habitat: Prefers dense, moist forests of Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Historically present in Nagaland, it had largely disappeared due to hunting and habitat loss.
- IUCN status: Critically Endangered and listed under Schedule IV of India’s Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
- Unique behaviour: Unlike most turtles, females build above‑ground nests and provide maternal care by guarding eggs.
- Diet: Mainly herbivorous; feeds on leaves, fruits and grasses but may occasionally eat invertebrates.
- Longevity: Can live 80–100 years, with slow maturation and low reproductive rate.
Ecological role
- Acts as a keystone species by dispersing seeds and aerating soil, which benefits forest regeneration.
- Its decline disrupts forest dynamics and affects other species that rely on similar habitats.
About the reintroduction programme
- Conservationists reared the tortoises at the Nagaland Zoological Park before releasing them into a protected community‑managed area.
- The programme emphasises community involvement, reducing hunting and increasing awareness about the species’ ecological importance.
- Monitoring with radio‑tags will help track survival and adaptation.
Reintroducing the Asian giant tortoise reflects a broader effort to restore extinct or endangered species in their native habitats while involving local communities.
