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To save the species, three assurance colonies were founded in 2004 with over 170 tortoises confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade in Myanmar. The breeding programmes from these populations have helped to increase the number of individuals, with the tortoises reproducing well. Over 1,000 of the progenies have been reintroduced into protected land since 2013 from Minzontaung and Shwesettaw. However, much work remains to be done, with the continued poaching of these tortoises.
Mandai Nature is supporting Turtle Survival Alliance and Wildlife Conservation Society (Myanmar) to expand conservation efforts as they work towards establishing a third viable wild population of Burmese Star Tortoises at Chattin Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS). Identified as a high priority reintroduction site in Myanmar’s National Star Tortoise Action Plan in 2012, CWS encompasses 268km2 of dry forest within the historic distribution of the tortoise and will be the northernmost distribution of the species.
A multi-pronged approach is key to saving this iconic tortoise, and central to this is a strong sense of community ownership and pride in the species. The team conducted an intensive community education and outreach programme in more than 35 villages surrounding CWS -- consulting local and religious leaders, introducing conservation to the people and identifying those who could serve as Community Conservation Volunteers. Other components of this mammoth task include selection of potential reintroduction sites within CWS, establishment of an assurance colony at CWS, and the transfer of tortoises from other sanctuaries to CWS and conducting health assessments for them.
While progress has been greatly hampered by pandemic-related restrictions and the political unrest in Myanmar, the team in the field remains unflappable and efforts continue albeit at a slower rate. May the old adage, the slow and steady wins the race, ring true.
By taking steps to develop a strong sense of community ownership, Mandai Nature and our partners are slowly but surely restoring the wild Burmese Star Tortoise populations back to their habitats.
The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) is an action-oriented global partnership committed in achieving zero turtle extinctions in the 21st century. In Myanmar, the TSA works together with the local team at WCS Myanmar to implement recovery programmes for highly endangered tortoise species such as the Burmese Star Tortoise.
TSA/WCS also coordinates a response against illegal wildlife trafficking of such endangered turtles.
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