Elegant

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
ISSN 2307-8235 (online)

IUCN 2008: T39430A115173155
Scope: Global
Language: English
Geochelone elegans, Indian Star Tortoise

Errata version
Assessment by: D'Cruze, N., Choudhury, B.C. & Mookerjee, A.
View on www.iucnredlist.org
Citation: D'Cruze, N., Choudhury, B.C. & Mookerjee, A. 2016. Geochelone elegans. The IUCN Red List
of Threatened Species 2016: e.T39430A115173155. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-
1.RLTS.T39430A2926441.en
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Taxonomy
Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family
Animalia Chordata Reptilia Testudines Testudinidae
Taxon Name: Geochelone elegans (Schoepff, 1795)
Synonym(s):
• Testudo actinodes Bell, 1828
• Testudo actinoides Bell in Gray, 1844
• Testudo elegans Schoepff, 1795
• Testudo megalopus Blyth, 1853
• Testudo stellata Schweigger, 1812
Common Name(s):
• English: Indian Star Tortoise
Taxonomic Source(s):
TTWG [Turtle Taxonomy Working Group: van Dijk, P.P., Iverson, J.B., Rhodin, A.G.J., Shaffer, H.B. and
Bour, R.]. 2014. Turtles of the world, 7th edition: annotated checklist of taxonomy, synonymy,
distribution with maps, and conservation status. Chelonian Research Monographs 5(7): 000.329-479,
doi:10.3854/crm.5.000.checklist.v7.2014.
Taxonomic Notes:
Separate populations of this species demonstrate some phylogeographic structure, with northwestern
Indian populations differing from southeastern Indian populations (Gaur et al. 2006). Rangewide
phylogeographic studies are clearly needed.
Common names for this species in various regional languages are as follows: Tamil: Nakshatra Amai,
Moonam (Irula); Telugu: Nakshatra Tabelu; Oriya: Pathuria Kaincha, Tara Kaincha; Gujarati: Suraj Kachbo,
Paththar Kachabo, Kabacha, Jamin no Kachabo; Sinhala, Sinhalese: Thāraka Ibbā, Vehera Ibbā, Mevara
Ibbā.
Assessment Information
Red List Category & Criteria: Vulnerable A4cd ver 3.1
Year Published: 2016
Date Assessed: December 31, 2015
Justification:
The assessment has considered recent documented levels of exploitation and the suspected future
reduction in population size that could occur because of this activity. Available information indicates
that this species maintains relatively large populations of >10,000 with an extent of occurrence (EOO)
>20,000 km2 and an area of occupancy (AOO) of more than 2,000 km2. These populations are present in
both protected areas and in agricultural landscapes in India and Sri Lanka and as a small subpopulation
© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Geochelone elegans – published in 2016. 1
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T39430A2926441.en
in Pakistan. However, studies have shown that the illegal wildlife trade is increasingly targeting this
species to meet apparently increasing international demand for use as ‘exotic pets’. In 2014, more than
55,000 individuals were known to have been collected from just one location (comprised of 16 villages)
in India during one year alone (D’Cruze et al. 2015). Extensive conversion of their habitat (scrubland) to
less suitable orchards and croplands is likely to reduce populations further in the future. Based on
recent past and predicted future declines, a listing of Vulnerable A4cd is proposed given concerns that
population reductions of >30% are likely to occur if this exploitation continues or expands.
Previously Published Red List Assessments

2000 – Lower Risk/least concern (LR/lc)
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2000.RLTS.T39430A10237876.en
Geographic Range
Range Description:
Indian Star Tortoises are found in three broadly disjunct (and likely taxonomically recognizable; Gaur et
al. 2006) areas of geographic occurrence: northwestern India (Gujarat, Rajasthan) and adjoining
southeastern Pakistan; eastern and southern areas from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and eastern
Karnataka to Odisha (Orissa); and throughout Sri Lanka (Iverson 1992; Das 1991, 2002; Vyas and
Parasharya 2000; Fyfe 2007; Vyas 2010).
Country Occurrence:
Native: India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa, Tamil Nadu); Pakistan; Sri Lanka
Distribution Map
Geochelone elegans
Population
This species naturally inhabits scrub forests, grasslands, and some coastal scrublands of arid and semi-
arid regions throughout its wide range (Das 2002), but also commonly inhabits human-dominated
landscapes (Choudhury et al. 2000; de Silva 2003). Frazier (in Das 1991) recorded estimated densities of
4-12.5 animals per hectare in Gujarat. Populations in Sri Lanka are also generally considered common,
although the 1998 Sri Lankan CAMP Assessment noted the species as declining and rated it Vulnerable
A2cd. Any populations in Pakistan appear to be extremely localized and small (Moll 1983, 1989).
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional information)

Indian Star Tortoises inhabit a variety of dry vegetation types, including scrublands, grasslands, desert
edges and agricultural landscapes of fields, hedgerows and plantations (de Silva 2003; Fyfe 2007). Most
localities occur under 200 m altitude, but records from 450 m and even as high as 900 m have been
reported (Andrews, pers. comm., 2005). In Sri Lanka, this species occurs throughout the dry habitats up
to 270 m altitude (Rathnayake, pers. comm., 2005). Indian Star Tortoises feed mainly on a variety of
grasses, herbaceous, succulent vegetation and fruits supplemented with some animal matter (Das 1991;
de Silva 2003). Choudhury and Rao (2005) recorded several species of indigenous plant that were
preferred by Indian Star Tortoises in a soft release site in Andhra Pradesh. Adult males typically reach up
to 26 cm and adult females typically up to 32 cm in carapace length (Moll 1989). Females attain sexual
maturity at around 6-7 years of age (possibly earlier) (Das 1991; Vyas, pers. comm., 2005). However, in
captivity this may be attained by the age of three years (Choudhury, pers. comm., 2005). Nesting
seasons coincide with the monsoons that vary depending on the geographic location (e.g., May to June
in western India, March to June and October to January in southeastern India) (Das 2002). Annually,
females typically produce two clutches (exceptionally up to four clutches) comprising 2-10 eggs
(exceptionally up to 24 eggs; Andrews, Choudhury, Vyas, pers. comm., 2005). Generation time has been
estimated to be around 10 years (Choudhury, pers. comm., 2005). A detailed overview of natural history
is presented by Das (2002), de Silva (2003), and Fyfe (2007).
Systems: Terrestrial
Use and Trade

Illegal collection for the international wildlife trade is of most major concern. Widespread collection and
export occurs for local and global pet trade, mainly to Malaysia (Shepherd et al. 2004), Singapore and
Thailand, as well as other countries in Southeast and East Asia. Das (1989) estimated an annual turn-
over of 10,000 animals in Calcutta’s New Market alone in the late 1970s, before enforcement of
domestic legislation nearly eliminated this trade. The export trade seems to have developed into the
replacement trade outlet (Choudhury and Bhupathy 1993); by 1993, about 5000 tortoises were
estimated as illegally exported. A recent conservative estimate of annual pet-trade export is 10,000 to
20,000 animals (mostly juveniles), and four confiscated shipments in 2002-2003 comprised between 305
and 1090 animals per shipment (Shepherd et al. 2004). Most of the pet trade involves small to medium-
sized animals, few exceeding 10 cm CL. D’Cruze et al. (2015) reported the illegal collection of at least
55,000 (mostly juvenile) tortoises from just one location (comprising 16 villages) from the state of
Andhra Pradesh in India over a period of one year. This figure is three to six times larger than the
10,000–20,000 individuals previously estimated to be poached throughout the entire range of this
species each year (Sekhar et al. 2004; Vyas, 2015). The bulk of the trade involves the southern Indian
(Andhra Pradesh) populations; there is little evidence of trade from northwestern Indian populations
(Gujarat) or Sri Lanka (J. Lenin, pers. comm.).
There are concerns that this species is being illegally smuggled from India into pet markets in Asia,
Europe, and the United States (Horne et al. 2012; Vyas, 2015). However, the majority of animals appear
to be destined for use as exotic pets in Asian countries, such as Thailand, China, and Malaysia (Shepherd
et al. 2004; D’Cruze et al. 2015; Chng and Bouhuys 2015). This species was the most frequent illegally
traded tortoise seized by Thai authorities between 2008 and 2013 (5966 individuals during 15 cases)
and is the most commonly observed tortoise at the infamous Chatuchak Market in Thailand (Chng
2014). It is also found in markets in Pakistan (U. Noureen, pers. comm.).
Threats (see Appendix for additional information)

Threats to this species survival include illegal collection and habitat loss (WWF 1994; Sekhar 2004;
Anand 2005; Fyfe 2007; Vyas 2010). “Illegal collection” can be subdivided into two further categories:
collection for utilization by local people and collection for the international wildlife trade (D’Cruze et al.
2015).
Locally, in rural areas, tortoises are sometimes eaten for subsistence. However they are also kept as pets
in many homes, their owners believing that they bring good luck and fortune (e.g. Anand, 2005). Over
100 hatchlings have been observed in one urban household in India alone (D’Cruze et al. 2015). In
addition, for many people the Star Tortoise plays an even more spiritual role in some societies as they
are thought to represent a reincarnation of the Hindu God “Vishnu” (D’Cruze et al. 2015). In 2015,
researchers observed a total of 22 animals at three different Shiva temples in the state of Gujarat, India
(D’Cruze et al. 2015).
However, it is illegal collection for the international wildlife trade that is of most major concern.
Widespread collection and export occurs for local and global pet trade, mainly to Malaysia (Shepherd et
al., 2004), Singapore and Thailand, as well as other countries in Southeast and East Asia. Das (1989)
estimated an annual turn-over of 10,000 animals in Calcutta’s New Market alone in the late 1970s,
before enforcement of domestic legislation nearly eliminated this domestic trade. Export trade seems to
have developed into the replacement trade outlet (Choudhury and Bhupathy 1993); by 1993, about
5000 tortoises were estimated as illegally exported. A recent conservative estimate of annual pet-trade
export is 10,000 to 20,000 animals, and four confiscated shipments in 2002-2003 comprised between
305 and 1090 animals per shipment (Shepherd et al. 2004). Most of the pet trade involves small to
medium-sized animals, few exceeding 10 cm CL. D’Cruze et al. (2015) reported the illegal collection of at
least 55,000 (mostly juvenile) tortoises from just one location (comprising 16 villages) from the state of
Andhra Pradesh in India over a period of one year. This figure is three to six times larger than the
10,000–20,000 individuals previously estimated to be poached throughout the entire range of this
species each year (Sekhar et al. 2004).
There are concerns that this species is being illegally smuggled from India (and Sri Lanka) into pet
markets in Asia, Europe and the United States (de Silva 2003; Horne et al. 2012; Vyas 2015). However,
the majority of animals appear to be destined for use as exotic pets in Asian countries, such as Thailand
and China (Shepherd et al. 2004; D’Cruze et al. 2015). This species was the most frequent illegally traded
tortoise seized by Thai authorities between 2008 and 2013 (5966 individuals during 15 cases) and is the
most commonly observed tortoise at the infamous Chatuchak Market in Thailand (Chng 2014).
Habitat loss is occurring throughout the species' range; scrub forest habitat is being converted to
orchards and cash crop agriculture, leading to reduction of available area of the preferred habitat type.
Although this is a relatively adaptable species, able to tolerate anthropogenically altered habitat,
continued habitat loss is likely to further impact wild numbers.
Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional information)

Since 1975, this species (as Testudinidae spp.) has been included on Appendix II of the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (UNEP-WCMC 2011).
Consequently, international trade in specimens can take place if an export permit or re-export permit is
acquired (CITES 2015). However, to safeguard its wild populations, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan had
chosen to adopt stricter domestic measures than CITES (WWF 1994). For example, the species was
placed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and for over 40 years it has been illegal to
possess and commercially trade this species either within or from India (Sekhar 2004). However, threat
perceptions from illegal trade seem to have substantially increased over this period and there is a case
for upgrading the species to Schedule II. The Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department of the
Government of Sindh, Pakistan through a notification issued on September 2014, included Geochelone
elegans along with other chelonian species of Pakistan in Schedule II (Protected Animals) of Sindh
Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972.
However, there are concerns that legislation in other Asian countries is being exploited to facilitate
illegal wildlife trade (Nijman and Shepherd 2015; D’Cruze et al. 2015). For example, this tortoise is not
currently protected under Thailand’s Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act (WARPA) making it
difficult for enforcement authorities to distinguish illegally traded wild sourced individuals from those
that have been legally bred in captivity. As such review of existing legislation relating to the commercial
use of this species in key consumer countries is warranted.
Given the scale and apparently increasing nature of illegal collection for international wildlife trade,
increased cooperation between relevant national enforcement bodies in collaboration with the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Wildlife Enforcement Network (ASEAN-WEN) is also required.
However, this enforcement activity should be accompanied by targeted public awareness initiatives that
address the increasing consumer demand.
Geochelone elegans has been recorded from Sasan Gir NP (Gujarat), Chinnar WLS (Kerala), Jaisamand
WLS (Rajasthan), Marine NP, Kalakkad WLS, Mudumalai WLS, and Point Callimere WLS (Tamil Nadu) in
India (Das, 1995; Hanfee, 1999), in all terrestrial protected areas of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in
Peninsular India (Choudhury, pers. comm.) and from Yala NP, Bundala NP, Dimbulagala, Giritale and
Wilpattu NP in Sri Lanka (de Silva et al. 2000).
In addition, more detailed quantitative research should be carried out in order to establish the impact
that this unregulated activity is having on wild populations of this species in range countries. In light of
continued habitat loss, status information and monitoring of populations throughout their range,
particularly inside protected areas, is also urgently needed. To aid this activity, a taxonomic review of
variability between various populations of Indian Star Tortoises (and Burmese Stars) also seems
warranted (Gaur et al. 2006; Fyfe 2007).
Credits
Assessor(s): D'Cruze, N., Choudhury, B.C. & Mookerjee, A.
Reviewer(s): Rhodin, A.G.J., van Dijk, P.P. & Horne, B.D.
Contributor(s): Vyas, R., de Silva, A., Lenin, J. & Noureen, U.
Facilitators(s) and Rhodin, A.G.J.

Compiler(s):
Bibliography
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Jaya.
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TRAFFIC Bulletin 27(2): 73-78.
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repatriation. Conservation Genetics 2006: 231–240.
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Citation
D'Cruze, N., Choudhury, B.C. & Mookerjee, A. 2016. Geochelone elegans. The IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species 2016: e.T39430A115173155. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-
1.RLTS.T39430A2926441.en
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Appendix
Habitats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)
Major
Habitat Season Suitability
Importance?
14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.6. Artificial/Terrestrial - Subtropical/Tropical - Unknown -

Heavily Degraded Former Forest
14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.4. Artificial/Terrestrial - Rural Gardens - Unknown -
14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.2. Artificial/Terrestrial - Pastureland - Suitable -
4. Grassland -> 4.5. Grassland - Subtropical/Tropical Dry - Marginal -
3. Shrubland -> 3.5. Shrubland - Subtropical/Tropical Dry - Suitable -
1. Forest -> 1.5. Forest - Subtropical/Tropical Dry - Marginal -
Threats
Threat Timing Scope Severity Impact Score
2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.1. Annual & Future - - -

perennial non-timber crops -> 2.1.3. Agro-industry
farming
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation
2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.1. Annual & Future - - -

perennial non-timber crops -> 2.1.4. Scale
Unknown/Unrecorded
2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.2. Wood & pulp Future - - -

plantations -> 2.2.2. Agro-industry plantations
2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.2. Wood & pulp Future - - -

plantations -> 2.2.3. Scale Unknown/Unrecorded
5. Biological resource use -> 5.1. Hunting & trapping Ongoing - - -

terrestrial animals -> 5.1.1. Intentional use (species is
the target)
Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality
Conservation Actions in Place

Conservation Actions in Place
In-Place Land/Water Protection and Management
Occur in at least one PA: Yes
In-Place Species Management
Subject to ex-situ conservation: Yes
In-Place Education
Included in international legislation: Yes
Subject to any international management/trade controls: Yes
Conservation Actions Needed

Conservation Actions Needed

1. Land/water protection -> 1.2. Resource & habitat protection
3. Species management -> 3.1. Species management -> 3.1.1. Harvest management
3. Species management -> 3.1. Species management -> 3.1.2. Trade management
4. Education & awareness -> 4.3. Awareness & communications
5. Law & policy -> 5.4. Compliance and enforcement -> 5.4.1. International level
5. Law & policy -> 5.4. Compliance and enforcement -> 5.4.4. Scale unspecified
Research Needed
Research Needed
1. Research -> 1.1. Taxonomy
1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution & trends
1. Research -> 1.3. Life history & ecology
1. Research -> 1.5. Threats
1. Research -> 1.6. Actions
3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends
Additional Data Fields

Distribution
Estimated area of occupancy (AOO) (km²): 2000
Distribution
Continuing decline in area of occupancy (AOO): Yes
Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) (km²): 20000
Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Yes
Population
Population severely fragmented: No
Habitats and Ecology

Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat: Yes
Generation Length (years): 10
Movement patterns: Not a Migrant
Errata
Errata reason: This errata assessment has been created because the map was accidentally left out of
the version published previously.
The IUCN Red List Partnership
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species
Programme, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership.
The IUCN Red List Partners are: Arizona State University; BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens
Conservation International; Conservation International; NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew;
Sapienza University of Rome; Texas A&M University; and Zoological Society of London.
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The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™

ISSN 2307-8235 (online)

Geochelone elegans, Indian Star Tortoise

THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™

Animalia Chordata Reptilia Testudines Testudinidae

Taxon Name: Geochelone elegans (Schoepff, 1795)

Year Published: 2016

Date Assessed: December 31, 2015

Previously Published Red List Assessments

Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional information)

Use and Trade

Threats (see Appendix for additional information)

Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional information)

Reviewer(s): Rhodin, A.G.J., van Dijk, P.P. & Horne, B.D.

Contributor(s): Vyas, R., de Silva, A., Lenin, J. & Noureen, U.

Facilitators(s) and Rhodin, A.G.J.

CITES. 2015. Convention text. Available at: http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/text.php.

14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.6. Artificial/Terrestrial - Subtropical/Tropical - Unknown -

14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.4. Artificial/Terrestrial - Rural Gardens - Unknown -

14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.2. Artificial/Terrestrial - Pastureland - Suitable -

4. Grassland -> 4.5. Grassland - Subtropical/Tropical Dry - Marginal -

3. Shrubland -> 3.5. Shrubland - Subtropical/Tropical Dry - Suitable -

1. Forest -> 1.5. Forest - Subtropical/Tropical Dry - Marginal -

Threat Timing Scope Severity Impact Score

2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.1. Annual & Future - - -

2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.1. Annual & Future - - -

2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.2. Wood & pulp Future - - -

2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.2. Wood & pulp Future - - -

5. Biological resource use -> 5.1. Hunting & trapping Ongoing - - -

Conservation Actions in Place

Occur in at least one PA: Yes

In-Place Species Management

Subject to ex-situ conservation: Yes

Included in international legislation: Yes

Subject to any international management/trade controls: Yes

Conservation Actions Needed

Conservation Actions Needed

4. Education & awareness -> 4.3. Awareness & communications

1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution & trends

1. Research -> 1.3. Life history & ecology

1. Research -> 1.5. Threats

1. Research -> 1.6. Actions

3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends

Additional Data Fields

Estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) (km²): 20000

Continuing decline in extent of occurrence (EOO): Yes

Habitats and Ecology

Generation Length (years): 10

Movement patterns: Not a Migrant

THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™

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