Two Asian Giant Tortoises, locally known as Leikang Thengu in Manipuri and Guiphop in Rongmei, were handed over to the Tamenglong Forest Division officials for conservation efforts.
The tortoises, belonging to the critically endangered species Manouria emys, were formally handed to Divisional Forest Officer Tamenglong, Kharibam Hitler Singh, Range Forest Officer Joel Gangmei, and forest staff.
One of the tortoises, weighing around 16 kg, was handed over by SDO Tousem, Paul Nangsha, MCS, after being brought from Vanchengphai village. Another, weighing 5 kg, was handed over by a youth from Tongtao village, Shri Simeon Gangmei.
Both tortoises will be transferred to the Manipur Zoological Park under the supervision of its Director, Shri Laishram Birmangol Singh, to strengthen the artificial incubation programme for the species. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the India Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP) to protect the species, which is native to the North East and listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Amended 2022).
