Asian Giant Tortoise Reintroduction – Nagaland

Key Highlights

• Species: Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emys)

• Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)

• Distinction: Largest tortoise in mainland Asia

Reintroduction Site

• Location: Zeliang Community Reserve, Peren district, Nagaland

• Facilitators:

• Nagaland Forest Department

• India Turtle Conservation Programme (ITCP)

• Nagaland Zoological Park, Chümoukedima

• The ten tortoises, bred and nurtured at Nagaland Zoological Park, which boasts India's largest captive population of the species, have been placed in a soft release enclosure in the Zeliang community forest.
• "Asian Giant Tortoises, also known as the small elephants of the forests, play a crucial role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration,"

Methodology

• 10 individuals reintroduced into a soft-release enclosure

• Objective: Develop site fidelity before full dispersal

• Approach encourages adaptation to natural habitat while under protection

Background

• Once abundant in Nagaland

• Population almost wiped out a decade ago due to:

  • Hunting for meat

  • Habitat loss

  • Lack of awareness

Ecological & Community Impact

• Community-led conservation via Zeliang tribal participation

• Revival of traditional ecological knowledge

• Boost to biodiversity conservation in North-East India

• Could promote eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods