Ukhrul, September 6: Two Reptiles locally known as Leikang Thengu (Manipuri), Guiphop (Rongmei), Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emy) were rescued in Tamenglong district, Manipur on Saturday. The reptiles have been handed over to the DFO, Tamenglong Kharibam Hitler Singh, RFO Tamenglong Joel Gangmei and Tamenglong Forest Division Staff.
The tortoises were handed over by Tousem SDO Paul Nangsha. Of the two reptiles rescued, one tortoise weighing about 16 kg was brought from Vanchengphai village while a village youth of Tongtao Simeon Gangmei handed over another Asian Giant Tortoise measuring about 5 kg in weight.
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These tortoises will be further handed over to the Director, Manipur Zoological Park Laishram Birmangol Singh for strengthening the Artificial Incubation of Asian Giant Tortoise in the Zoological Park in collaboration with the India Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP) to protect this critically endangered reptile, which is native to the North East.
The species is also listed in Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972.