Breaking news: New tortoise species found in India for the first time

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a new species of tortoise that are elusive and have never been previously sighted in India – near Yazali of Lower Subansari district in Arunachal Pradesh, the Wildlife Conservation Society-India said in a press statement on Tuesday.

A male and a female species of the Impressed Tortoise were discovered in June 2019. This discovery has increased the total number to 29 species of non-marine chelonians and five tortoises in the country.

The Impressed Tortoise measures one feet, and has a “brilliant spine” – bent upwards and beautifully serrated, Purkayastha said. “It’s a magnificent looking creature – impressive in colour and shape. That’s is why it’s called the Impressed Tortoise, in the first place.”