Saving Species in the Wild
Kalyar Platt and the Burmese Star Tortoise
The Problem
Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone Platynota)
The striking pattern on this surprisingly vocal tortoise’s shell is usually a great protection, helping it blend in with dried leaves and grass and go unnoticed by predators. Humans, however, find the pattern alluring and demand for the shell in the high-end pet trade has driven the species to the brink of extinction in the wild.
The Solution
There’s a belief around Minzontaung Wildlife Sanctuary in Myanmar that Earth spirits protect tortoises and wreak vengeance on those who harm them. That makes it an ideal place for National Geographic grantee Kalyar Platt and team to release hundreds of captive-bred Burmese star tortoises. Microchips, other ID markers, and transmitters help them keep track of a few animals to monitor the success of their return to the wild.
About Kalyar Platt
Unlike her beloved animal pals, Kalyar Platt has never been slow to come out of her shell. Described as a “force of nature” and “the Indomitable Turtle Lady,” she has boldly made turtle and tortoise conservation a driving force in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Now she’s expanding star tortoise releases to Shwe Settaw Wildlife Sanctuary, and helping to protect other species as well.
Did you know?
.
Fewer than
5,000
left in the world.
Ways to Help
- Share this image and information. A simple tweet or post on your social media accounts can spread the word to hundreds and even thousands of others down the line.
- Love nature on its own terms. Finding excitement and satisfaction in seeing animals free in the wild helps combat the desire to hold them in captivity for personal use.
- Be willing to adapt. Deep-rooted cultural practices and values can do unintended harm to species and ecosystems. When your own traditions put nature at risk, keep your eyes and mind open to change.
Learn More
Cave-Dwelling Eco-Engineers
Giant Aldabra tortoises were recently found escaping the afternoon heat in caves—behavior that may be shaping much of life on the island.
More From the Photo Ark
Reptiles and amphibians make up nearly 30 percent of the animals in the Photo Ark. Get to know a few of them better.
Learn More
Cave-Dwelling Eco-Engineers
Giant Aldabra tortoises were recently found escaping the afternoon heat in caves—behavior that may be shaping much of life on the island.
More From the Photo Ark
Reptiles and amphibians make up nearly 30 percent of the animals in the Photo Ark. Get to know a few of them better.
Help Save Wildlife
For the Burmese star tortoise and other wildlife, time is running out. Join National Geographic explorers, like Kalyar Platt, as they work to protect wildlife, preserve the last wild places on the planet, and push the boundaries of discovery.
Get Updates
Learn how you can help change the world. Get updates from our explorers in the field who are working to save the Burmese star tortoise, lions, elephants, and other threatened wildlife, and find out how you can help in our work to explore and protect the planet.