Seven Giant Tortoises Found Dead in Exeter Forest, Police Launch Investigation
In a tragic incident that has left the local community stunned, seven giant tortoises have been discovered dead in Ashclyst Forest, located northeast of Exeter. Devon and Cornwall Police announced that the remains of two tortoises were found last Monday, with an additional five being discovered nearby on Friday, January 12th.
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Law enforcement officials are currently working tirelessly to identify the owners of the tortoises and determine the circumstances surrounding their disposal. The tortoises are believed to be Aldabra giants, a species with protected status and classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Inspector Mark Arthurs made a public appeal for information, stating, “We are appealing to members of the public for information to try to establish the circumstances around this discovery and to identify those responsible. We would ask that if anyone knows anything, they get in touch.”
He added, “We would also like to hear from anyone who has recently purchased a giant tortoise in the area or knows of anyone who normally has a large number of tortoises but has fewer now.”
The police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in their investigation and help identify the origin of the animals. The Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage marine site located in the Seychelles, is home to these magnificent creatures.
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According to the ICUN, the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) has been managing the breed on the Aldabra Atoll since 1981. This means that for 36 years, these tortoises have been protected from resource extraction, habitat destruction, and have enjoyed enforced protection of the marine area.
In order to aid the investigation, anyone with relevant information is encouraged to call 101 and quote reference number 50240006127. Alternatively, individuals can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.
Background on Aldabra Tortoises
Aldabra tortoises, along with their cousin, the Galapagos giant tortoise, are the largest species of tortoise in the world. These remarkable creatures can live for over 150 years, with some shells reaching lengths of more than a meter and weighing up to 250kg. In fact, the heaviest Aldabra tortoise ever recorded weighed a staggering 305kg, as reported by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute in Washington.
These tortoises inhabit the islands of the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, where they can be found in grassy areas with trees and bushes, scrubland, and mangrove swamps. They are under the protection of the Seychelles Islands Foundation, and various conservation breeding programs are in place on the Seychelles and Mauritius to ensure their survival. However, they face threats such as climate change, habitat destruction, and hunting.
While primarily herbivores, Aldabra tortoises occasionally include invertebrates in their diet. They play a vital role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance of their island habitat.
In conclusion, the discovery of seven dead giant tortoises in Exeter’s Ashclyst Forest has shocked the local community. The police have launched a thorough investigation to identify the individuals responsible for this tragic incident and shed light on the circumstances surrounding it. These Aldabra tortoises, with their protected status and vulnerability, are invaluable to the delicate ecosystem they inhabit. The public’s cooperation and assistance in providing any relevant information will be crucial in holding the perpetrators accountable and ensuring the conservation of these magnificent creatures..
