With reference to the Indian star tortoise, consider the following sta...
Indian Star Tortoise: Vulnerability and Endemism
Statements:
1. It is endemic to India.
2. It is listed as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List.
Explanation:
Endemism:
Endemism refers to the occurrence of a species or taxonomic group in a particular geographical area and nowhere else. The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is indeed endemic to India, and is found in the dry regions of southern and western India, particularly in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
Vulnerability:
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is a comprehensive inventory of the conservation status of different species of animals, plants, and fungi across the globe. The Indian star tortoise is listed as Vulnerable under this list, which means that the species is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Reasons for Vulnerability:
The Indian star tortoise is primarily threatened by habitat loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion, urbanization, and mining activities. Additionally, the species is heavily exploited for its meat, shell, and as a pet trade item, both within India and internationally. The latter is particularly problematic since the species has a low reproductive rate and a long lifespan, which means that even small levels of harvesting can lead to population declines.
Conservation Efforts:
To conserve the Indian star tortoise, it is important to address the root causes of its vulnerability. This involves measures such as habitat conservation and restoration, enforcement of wildlife protection laws, and awareness-raising campaigns among the public. Additionally, it is crucial to curb the illegal trade in the species, which requires the cooperation of both source and demand countries. Conservation breeding programs can also play a role in supplementing the wild populations of the species.
Conclusion:
The Indian star tortoise is a unique and threatened species that is endemic to India. Its conservation requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the ecological and socio-economic factors that contribute to its vulnerability.
With reference to the Indian star tortoise, consider the following sta...
A recent study on the Indian star tortoise distributed across South Asia has revealed that the genetic diversity of the species as well as its habitat has suffered major losses because of rampant illegal trade.
- Indian star tortoise is found in the central and Southern parts of India, in West Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- Conservation status:
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable
- Convention on International Trade in Species (CITES): Appendix I
- Wild Life Protection Act 1972: Schedule IV
- Threat: The highly fragmented habitat of the species, is greatly influenced by an increased level of urbanisation and agricultural practices throughout its range.
- Conservation Efforts:
- At the 18th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP18) held in 2019, Indian Star Tortoise was up-listed to Appendix I from Appendix II owing to its over-exploitation.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.
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