Project STRIPES Releases 216 Trafficked Indian Star Tortoises in Tadoba Tiger Reserve

Key facts

• The Maharashtra Forest Department and Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) launched Project STRIPES (Star Tortoise Repatriation Initiative Protecting Endangered Species) to rehabilitate trafficked Indian Star Tortoises.
• A total of 216 Indian Star Tortoises, previously seized in wildlife trafficking crackdowns and rescue operations in Mumbai and Thane, were released in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR).
• The tortoises were transported over 800 kilometres in a specialised wildlife ambulance with ventilated carriers and cushions, with planned halts for health and hydration monitoring.
• The reptiles were released batchwise into designated forest ranges with a scientifically calculated male-to-female ratio to support long-term population sustainability.
• The operation was executed by a collaborative 10-member team comprising wildlife experts and personnel from the Maharashtra Forest Department and RAWW.