Rare star tortoise found in Amrabad Tiger Reserve
TELANGANA: A rare star tortoise was found on Friday in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Nagarkurnool district. Forest officials said they had never previously recorded the species in the reserve.
The sighting comes amid recent forest fires in the Nallamala region, where large tracts of grass have been gutted. The fires have affected small wildlife in the area.
Endangered species rarely seen in Nallamala
According to officials, ITDA medical officer Kalyan Sagar was travelling from Brahmagiri to Achampet when he noticed a large star tortoise crossing the road in the forest stretch. Observing flames spreading nearby, he rescued the reptile and handed it over to forest officials in Achampet.
Forest officials said the star tortoise belongs to a rare and endangered species that is sparsely found in Nallamala. They added that protecting wildlife during forest fires is the responsibility of everyone.
SRDO Abdul Sugoor and FSO Narendra commended Kalyan Sagar for acting promptly to safeguard the animal.
