On May 31, 2024 Vigilant troops from the Tentulberia Border Outpost, 05 Battalion, BSF under the South Bengal Frontier, rescued 67 vulnerable Indian Star Tortoises from the clutches of wildlife smugglers at the international border in North 24 Parganas,West Bengal when smugglers were trying to smuggle these Tortoises from India to Bangladesh.
Acting on intelligence reports about contraband smuggling through the checking point at the Khararmath outpost gate, troops spotted a suspected bike coming from Jhowdanga and heading toward Pipli village around 1740 hours on May 30. Upon stopping and searching the bike, the miscreants driving it fled into nearby banana orchards and cropland, leaving the bike behind. A search of the bike revealed 67 Indian Star Tortoises (23 medium-sized and 44 small-sized) in a plastic bag.
The rescued tortoises were promptly handed over to the Forest Department in Bangaon for further care and rehabilitation. The Indian Star Tortoises are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. They are found across the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Central and Southern India, West Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
A.K. Arya, DIG and Public Relations Officer of the South Bengal Frontier, stated, “The successful interception of such vulnerable species demonstrates the BSF’s unwavering dedication to protecting India’s rich natural heritage. Through relentless vigilance and coordinated action, the BSF remains at the forefront of efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade and preserve the most vulnerable species.”
