The Burmese Star Tortoise is unique in central Myanmar, but its species is considered to be highly endangered. This rare species has almost been exterminated by illegal poaching. As a last resort, breeding in breeding stations such as the Wildlife Sanctuary Minzontaung applies.
Illegal Poaching, Sale on Black Markets and Consumption in China
That is the sad fate of the Burmese star tortoise. In the dry zone of Myanmar, the tortoise has been exterminated except for a few individual animals. It is a real beauty, with the eponymous drawing on the tank and an important part of the ecosystem.
One of the last known populations in the wild is in Minzontaung. However, there are too few animals to survive naturally. The last chance of survival for the turtle species is to breed in so-called breeding stations. The Wildlife Sanctuary Minzontaung has set itself the task of securing the existence of the endangered species.
The Valuable Work of the Wildlife Sanctuary Minzontaung
The turtle eggs are no longer left to their fate, but are transported to secure areas and closely monitored. So the valuable eggs are safe from poachers or jackals. In order to speed up the breeding process, you adopt a specialty of the turtles. Gender is not determined by genes.
Eggs that hatch at a warm temperature mostly become females. Male animals hatch from eggs that lie in the cool shade during the breeding season. This can influence the number of females and males and speed up reproduction.
The goal is to return the hatched turtles to their natural habitat. The Wildlife Sanctuary proceeds carefully in several steps.
The breeding station in Minzontaung warmly welcomes visitors. During a guided tour you get to know the work in the station and even support in feeding the animals. The newly hatched young animals are a highlight for many guests. In addition, you have the opportunity to observe this rare turtle species in the wild. The station currently houses more than 2,000 specimens.Â
Help to Protect the Burmese Star Tortoise
The Wildlife Sanctuary wants to inspire visitors for the star tortoise and at the same time make it sensitive to the threat to the species. The donations and income from the sale of souvenirs finance the protection project. The persistent, illegal poaching repeatedly complicates the resettlement of the turtles in their natural habitat and therefore makes it necessary to breed them in breeding stations.
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Visit the Wildlife Sanctuary Minzontaung during your individual trip through Myanmar and support the protection of the Burmese Star Tortoise on site. Contact Myanmar travel specialist Green Tiger Travel for more information.
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