Why is it in the news?
Rescued during ground fire in Amrabad Tiger Reserve.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● Scientific name: Geochelone elegans
● Medium-sized terrestrial tortoise
● Native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
● Inhabits dry areas and scrub forests
● Star-like pattern on shell acts as camouflage
● Lifespan 35–80 years
● Classified as Vulnerable (IUCN)
● Amrabad Tiger Reserve located in Nallamala hills, Telangana
● Spread over 2611.4 sq. km
● Part of earlier Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve