PANVEL: Eight more radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) died in the Karnala bird sanctuary, where they are being sheltered, over the last week. The exotic tortoises were smuggled in from Madagascar by a Nepalese national were detected by the Air Intelligence Unit of Mumbai International Airport last month.
Out of the total 146 tortoises, 139 were radiated tortoises and seven were angonoka tortoises (Astrochelys yniphora), both critically endangered species of Madagascar. Two radiated tortoises died during their tortuous journey, later another
tortoise
succumbed. The latest casualties bring their number down to 128.
“The radiated tortoises died due to dehydration and anemia. They also developed respiratory problems during their flight,” said Karnala sanctuary range forest officer S K Pawar.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) norms mandate that the tortoises must be shipped to Madagascar. “We are awaiting a nod from Madagascar,” said
Wildlife
Crime Control Bureau western region director M Maranko. The bureau is trying to arrange their shipment back to Madagascar.