An endangered Asian giant tortoise called "Manouria emys", also known as mountain tortoise, was rescued in Tamenglong and handed over to the forest division Tamenglong for safe release.
Manouria emys, the fourth largest tortoise in the world and the largest land tortoise in Asia, is protected under Schedule-IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
It is categorised as "Endangered", according to the International union for conservation of Natural (IUCN). It is also protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 Schedule IV as "endangered species".
“The endangered tortoise weighing around 21 kilograms was rescued from one farmer,” sub-divisional officer, Tousem, Tamenglong, Paul Nangsha said, while speaking to the Imphal Free Press.
The official stressed the lack of awareness about wildlife protection and said, “The farmer was not aware of wildlife protection Act and extinction of rare species of Asian giant mountain tortoise”.
Pointing out that Tamenglong district is rich in biodiversity, Paul Nangsha said “People here need to understand their endangered wildlife and start protecting and preserving for future generations instead of hunting down whatever one sees”.
After rescuing the tortoise from the farmer, he handed it over to the forest department for its safe release on Sunday.
Expressing gratitude to the SDO Tousem, Tamenglong district forest division Ranger Officer Joel Gangmei appealed to the citizens of Tamenglong not to hunt or kill endangered species.
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