Another incident highlighting the impact of deforestation has come to light in the Matabari RD Block of Udaipur Sub-division. As forests continue to shrink and hills lose their vegetation, wild animals are increasingly venturing into nearby human settlements.

This time, an endangered Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) was rescued from Morsum Pathar village under Kalaban ADC Village. The species, which naturally inhabits dry forest floors in dense hilly jungles, is believed to have descended into the plains due to the loss of its natural habitat.

The tortoise was first spotted by local resident Chandan Das Malakar, son of the late Satish Das Malakar, from the Garjee Forest Beat area. He safely handed the rare reptile over to officials of the Garjee Forest Department.

Forest Range Forester Amal Das, along with FPO staff of the Garjee Forest Beat, took custody of the animal. After ensuring its safety, the endangered tortoise was released into the dense forests of Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary.

The rescue has brought relief and appreciation among local residents, while also drawing attention to the urgent need for forest conservation and habitat protection to safeguard endangered wildlife.