Mumbai: In a major step toward wildlife conservation, 216 rescued Indian Star Tortoises from Mumbai and Thane have been successfully rehabilitated and released into the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). The operation also marked the official launch of Project STRIPES (Star Tortoise Repatriation Initiative Protecting Endangered Species), a joint initiative by the Maharashtra Forest Department and Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW).
The initiative has been introduced to address the recurring issue of Indian Star Tortoises being rescued or seized from Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), particularly in cases linked to illegal wildlife trafficking. Project STRIPES aims to provide a structured, scientific, and sustainable framework for returning rescued tortoises to suitable natural habitats.
According to RAWW founder and honorary wildlife warden Pawan Sharma, the project will support the periodic rehabilitation of rescued Star Tortoises and help restore them to their natural environment under proper monitoring.
The rehabilitation was carried out by a 10-member team of wildlife experts and forest department personnel from the Mumbai Range and RAWW. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Maharashtra’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, with supervision from senior forest officials in Thane and Mumbai.
The tortoises had been recovered through multiple wildlife crime enforcement operations and rescue efforts across Mumbai and Thane. Of the 216 reptiles, 150 were being cared for by RAWW, while the remaining tortoises were housed at the Forest Department’s Transit Treatment Centre and with other wildlife organisations.
For the relocation, the tortoises travelled more than 800 kilometres in a specialised RAWW wildlife ambulance. They were transported in ventilated carriers with cushioning, while the team made scheduled stops to monitor their health and hydration.
After reaching Tadoba National Park, all tortoises underwent another medical examination and were allowed to rest overnight. They were subsequently released in batches across designated forest areas following conservation protocols, including a carefully planned male-to-female ratio to support the long-term sustainability of the population.
The successful operation highlights the Maharashtra Forest Department’s continued efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and give rescued animals a safe opportunity to return to suitable natural habitats.
