Indian Star Tortoises

Outline

The Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) does not have any scientifically recognized subspecies. They have multiple locals available on the pet trade. The group we produce are the Indian Star Tortoise. These animals are found along the northwestern and southeast parts of India. There are two other locals are from the island of Sri Lanka and Pakistan. 

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All of these subspecies are classed and named Indian Star Tortoises. When it was legal to import these animals, all animals coming in were categorized as Indian stars and exported from India. Sri Lanka has no recorded exportations of the Sri Lanka Star Tortoise. In 2019, CITES classed all Geochelone elegans as APPENDIX I, effectively banning all trade and exports. Although they are banned from being exported, the illegal pet trade is still causing a major threat to them. Unfortunately, they are still highly sought after due to their beautiful shell and coloration, the stigma they bring luck in certain cultures and the belief the shell contains medicinal properties. 

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As of this documentation, there is no scientifically recognized differentiation between Sri Lanka Star Tortoises and Indian Star Tortoises. 

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