Rare Species
Randrianjafizanaka knew these tortoises were special, and she was right. Known as radiated tortoises, these animals are rare and are hardly ever spotted in the wild. Only a small number of the species live in Madagascar. These tortoises are known for the unique markings on their shells and their docile nature. It began to make sense to Randrianjafizanaka and the team why the people they arrested had these animals.
Rare Species
Often Poached
Because these creatures are rare, criminals often poach them. There are even people who eat these tortoises as a delicacy. Less extremely, these tortoises are kept as pets. However, the law states that it is also illegal to do this. There are still people who keep these tortoises, though. Many underground operations involve stealing and illegally selling tortoises. Today, the species is nearly extinct because of the way they are treated. What happened here was especially heinous.
Often Poached
