21 rare tortoise seized in West Bengal

The Border Security Force (BSF) has seized 21 rare Indian star tortoise valued in excess of Rs.12 lakh from West Bengal while they were being smuggled into Bangladesh, an officer said on Thursday.

The seizure was made on Wednesday night from Kalanchi border outpost in North 24-Parganas district.

"Challenged by a BSF patrol party, people trying to smuggle the animals into Bangladesh fled leaving behind sacks from which the tortoise were recovered. The animals valued at Rs.12.60 lakh and have been handed over to the forest department," a BSF officer said.

Traded for food and used in traditional medicine, the Indian star tortoise is in great demand in international market commanding premium prices.

The amphibian is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which bans its possession and transfer in any form for commercial use. It is also protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, of which India is a signatory.

The South Bengal Frontier of the BSF has seized more than 302 tortoise valued in excess of Rs.1.80 crore during this year.