Critically Endangered Elongated Tortoise Spotted in Aravallis
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Elongated Tortoise |
| Appearance | Yellowish-brown or olive shell with black blotches at the center of each scute. |
| Unique Feature | Develops a pink ring around nostrils and eyes during breeding season. |
| Location Spotted | Damdama area, Haryana, in the Aravallis. |
| Habitat | Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests. |
| Distribution | Southeast Asia: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, China, Malaysia. Disjunct population in Chota Nagpur plateau. |
| Elevation | Found in lowlands and foothills up to 1,000 meters above sea level. |
| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List, 2018). |
| Threats | Exploited for food, traditional medicine, hunting, and use of dogs to locate tortoises. |
| Aravalli Range | Extends from Gujarat to Delhi through Rajasthan; 692 km long, 10-120 km wide. |
| Key Features | Acts as a natural green wall; 80% in Rajasthan, 20% in Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat. |
| Main Ranges | Sambhar Sirohi Range and Sambhar Khetri Range (Rajasthan). |
| Ecotone Role | Separates Thar Desert and Gangetic Plain. |
| Highest Peak | Gurusikhar, Rajasthan (1,722 meters elevation). |