© Martin Harvey / WWF
150 Endangered Tortoises Nursed Back to Health in Provence
Baby tortoises smuggled into France eight months ago from Madagascar
Listed by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), all species of tortoises and freshwater turtles in Madagascar are classed as Critically Endangered.
They can be found at least partially inside protected nature areas, yet illegal collection of some species for food in Madagascar and the collection of others for the international pet trade have seen their populations decline over the years. These tiny tortoises in particular are sought after for their striking shell, prized amongst some collectors.
Around eight months ago a crate filled with 150 baby Madagascar tortoises was discovered by officials at one of the airports in Paris. The young creatures were then brought to the village of Gonfaron in the Var area of Provence (situated half-way between Brignoles and St Tropez) where they have been cared for and nursed back to health.
It has now been revealed that they are healthy enough to travel back to Madagascar where they will be reintroduced into their natural habitat. This is a huge victory for this species which is said to be in danger of extinction within the next 50 years.
