The first successful artificial incubation of the Asian giant tortoise (largest tortoise in mainland Asia) was achieved in Manipur Zoological Garden (MZG), Imphal, in collaboration with the India Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP). 28 hatchlings were recorded from a nest, marking a breakthrough in conservation efforts.
The project trained 25 zookeepers and frontline forest staff in tortoise and freshwater turtle management. MZG will now initiate a conservation breeding programme aimed at releasing hatchlings into the wild.
Manipur Zoological Garden (MZG):
- Famous for its flagship Sangai (brow-antlered deer) breeding programme.
- Categorized as a medium zoo by the Central Zoo Authority of India.
- Now expanding to conservation of lesser-known but ecologically important species like the Asian giant tortoise.
Conservation Approach:
- Dedicated facilities to be set up for breeding and phase-wise release into natural habitats.
- Focus on population recovery in northeastern states where the species is native.
Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emys phayrei)
- Range: Northeast India (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia.
- Habitat: Moist lowland & hill forests, dense tropical vegetation with leaf litter.
- Status:
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule IV.
- Physical Traits:
- Largest land tortoise of mainland Asia; up to 60 cm long, 35+ kg weight.
- Dark brown/black domed shell with prominent rings.
- Elephant-like forelimbs, sharp beak.
- Ecological Role:
- Known as the “small elephant of the forest” for seed dispersal & soil turnover.
- Keystone species – crucial for forest regeneration.
- Unique Behavior:
- Builds above-ground nest mounds.
- Maternal care – females guard nests (rare among tortoises).
Tortoise & Turtle Conservation Initiatives in India
Government Initiatives
- Operation Save Kurma (2016): To curb poaching & illegal trade.
- National Marine Turtle Action Plan (2021): For marine turtle protection with community participation.
- Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB): Monitors organized wildlife crime.
Community-Based
- WWF-India Programs: Farmers protect turtle eggs along Ganga basin.
- Zeliang Community Reserve (Nagaland): Local “tortoise guardians” engaged in conservation.
Technology & Science
- KURMA Mobile App: For species ID, rescue center mapping, threat reporting.
- Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): Reduce turtle bycatch in fisheries.
- Sanctuaries: e.g., Turtle Sanctuary near Prayagraj.
International Collaboration
- Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA): Works with ITCP & Indian govt.
- Regional cooperation: For shared habitats across South/Southeast Asia.
Recent Related Development
- Nagaland (Zeliang Community Reserve):
- 10 Asian giant tortoises reintroduced into the wild under joint initiative of Nagaland Forest Dept. + ITCP.
- Strengthens India’s commitment to re-wilding critically endangered species.
Central Zoo Authority of India (CZA):
- Established: 1992 (under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972).
- HQ: New Delhi.
- Functions: Recognition, oversight, and regulation of zoos.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India):
- Provides legal protection to wild species.
- Six schedules (I–VI): Schedule I provides absolute protection (highest penalty).
- Tortoises are mostly under Schedule IV.
Sangai Deer (Rucervus eldii eldii):
- State animal of Manipur.
- Found only in Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park.