Elongated tortoise

Getting ready: selection and preparation of elongated tortoises to be released at a protected area in Cambodia

Elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) occurs throughout South and Southeast Asia in a variety of habitats. The species is ranked by the IUCN as Critically Endangered because a range-wide population decline of 80% as a result of habitat loss, and subsistence harvesting for human consumption. Species recovery depends on a combination of effective protection of remaining wild populations, and reintroduction of captive-bred tortoises to restore depressed or extirpated populations.

The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) in Cambodia maintains an assurance colony of elongated tortoises founded with tortoises obtained through wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts. The colony currently consists of 472 individuals, many of which have achieved a body size suitable for release. The project partner plans to repatriate 75-100 of these head-started tortoises to a protected area in Cambodia. The first step is to conduct an assessment to select a release site within a Wildlife Sanctuary in Cambodia based on habitat suitability and human disturbance, especially potential hunting pressure. Once a release site is identified, the team will select a group of 75-100 tortoises from the colony for release. Each tortoise needs to be permanently marked and then screened for infectious diseases. Tortoises will be maintained in pre-release acclimation pens for a period of twelve months before being allowed to “self-liberate”. VHF radio transmitters will be used to monitor post-release dispersal and survival of the tortoises.