Indian star tortoises (Geochelone Elegans)
Do you know someone who is keeping an Indian star tortoise?
Just recently one male and one female Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) were handed-in to staff at the front desk of the Werribee open range Zoo. This incident is closely linked to a large illegal trade network in exotic pest animals uncovered within Victoria and across Australia.
Indian star tortoises are an exotic species native to India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora lists this species as threatened with extinction in its native range overseas and any international trade in the species is strictly prohibited.
Indian star tortoises have a high-domed, star-pattered protective shell. They are one of the smallest land tortoises in the world, reaching only 30cm in length. Due to their attractive appearance, small size, and gentle nature they are kept as exotic pets around the world. Indian star tortoises can survive some of the harshest of environments inhabiting dry, arid scrubland. They are herbivores that eat grasses, flowers, fresh shoots, and wild berries. Unfortunately, due to illegal poaching and collection for the exotic wildlife trade, the wild population of star tortoises in India is rapidly declining.
Importantly the Indian star tortoise is extremely susceptible to disease including pneumonia, respiratory diseases and an overgrowth of parasites when stressed by handling and shipment, often under inhumane and cruel conditions. Many specimens caught to be sold as pets often die in transit from starvation, dehydration, or unsuspected disease. The disease risk associated with this species is not worth the risk to Victoria’s biosecurity. Unknown exotic diseases have the potential to decimate native animal populations, infect household pets and even humans.
If you have any information about the illegal trade of exotic species like the Indian star tortoise, please call Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 to make an anonymous report.
Report What You Know
If you know someone who has an illegal exotic pet or someone who is involved in the trade of illegal exotic animals, let us know.
Case Studies
How You Can Help
We need your help to stop the trafficking and ownership of illegal exotic pets. The illegal trade and keeping of exotic animals pose a serious threat to our native wildlife. If you have an illegal exotic pet, now is the time to surrender it — before someone reports you.
Exotic pets surrendered to businesses can contact Agriculture Victoria‘s Customer Service Centre at 136 186.
If you have any information about the illegal exotic animal trade, you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria by calling 1800 333 000 or by submitting a report online.
The following organisations are offering a no-questions-asked policy for surrendering exotic animals.
