Observational Study on Captive Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) in intra and interspecific enclosures

Ethological studies in captivity play an important role in the conservation of animals. It also helps us to understand the human impact on fauna. On considering the behavioural aspects, birds and mammals have gained attention to some extent; but reptiles have not. This study attempts to focus on the behaviours of the Indian Star tortoise(Geochelone elegans) in captivity. The study species were observed in intra and interspecific enclosures. State and event behaviours were indexed. Though there is no species variation among star tortoises, the change in the behavioural pattern is due to their habitat differences. Locomotion, fighting, feeding, retreat and conspecific contact was found to be high in intraspecific enclosure. Basking and lying in the water was high in interspecific enclosure. Fighting was not observed in the interspecific enclosure during the study period. The resting period of star tortoises in interspecific enclosure was less when compared to intraspecific enclosure. Herpetofauna is a key component of an ecosystem and updating our knowledge via these kinds of ethological studies will benefit us in conserving the species in captivity.

Keywords: Geochelone elegans,star tortoises, ethological studies, animal behaviour