From Hunted to Protected: Remote Indian Community Becomes Champion for Critically-Endangered Giant Tortoises

Photo: Gabriel Aguirre / Unsplash
In Nagaland, a remote state in northeastern India, local communities are transforming their relationship with mainland Asia's largest tortoise species—shifting from hunting them to actively protecting this critically-endangered animal. Through dedicated conservation efforts by these passionate 'Tortoise Guardians,' the species is slowly making a comeback in the region, offering hope for the animal's survival.
In Nagaland, a remote state in northeastern India, local communities are transforming their relationship with mainland Asia’s largest tortoise species—shifting from hunting them to actively protecting this critically-endangered animal. Through dedicated conservation efforts by these passionate ‘Tortoise Guardians,’ the species is slowly making a comeback in the region, offering hope for the animal’s survival.