In my little knowledge, there are two instances that a tortoise was ever
recorded in Sikkim, on both occasions the tortoise was reported to be Indotestudo elongata.
* The first recorded instance was during the last week of July
2008 a little yellow tortoise was found by two labours working at the
site of a Rock Garden construction, at the base of nearby Tarey
Bhir (South Sikkim) on the bank of a seasonal rivulet called Khanni
Khola. that was later identified by Usha Lachungpa Sr. Research Officer
(WL), she identified it as a male Sal
Forest Tortoise Indotestudo elongata (Blyth) of the Family Testudinidae.
* The second finding was from Chalamthang near Rhenock (East Sikkim) on June 27, 2011.
The yellowish color tortoise weighed around 3.5 to 4 Kg. It was later
taken to Kitam Bird Sanctuary. It was rescued by Mani Kumar Pradhan,
resident of Chalamthang. The department confirmed the species as
Indotestudo elongata, an endangered species.
This cold-blooded reptile is one of the only four land tortoises found
in India. It is legally protected under Schedule IV of the Indian
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended up to 2006.
Pic: Deepen Pradhan (Chalamthang)
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