Sal forest tortoise habitat stretches over unprotected areas

News:According to a study by ecologists of Wildlife Institute of India(WII), over 90% of the potential distribution of Sal Forest Tortoise falls outside the current protected area’s network.

Facts:

• Sal Forest Tortoise is also known as the elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata).
• Habitat: It is found in Southeast Asia and parts of Indian Subcontinent particularly Northeast India.
• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
• CITES: Appendix II
• Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule IV 
• Threat: Hunted for food, local use such as decorative masks and international wildlife trade.