Turtles and tortoises — and which ones are legal
PetPort Editorial4 profiles
Can you keep a turtle or tortoise as a pet in India?
Not every species: the Indian Star Tortoise is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and possessing one is a criminal offence. Imported species need documented captive-bred provenance, and some states restrict sale — each profile below says what applies.
General guidance for pet parents, not a diagnosis. Every animal is different — confirm anything that concerns you with your veterinarian.
At a glance
| Breed | Size | Origin | Temperament |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red-Eared Slider | Small | Southern United States and northern Mexico | active, hardy, not a handling pet |
| Indian Star Tortoise | Small | Dry scrub of India and Sri Lanka | shy, slow, solitary |
| Box Turtle | Small | North America | shy, long-lived, territorial |
| Russian Tortoise | Small | Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran) | curious, active, solitary |
Red-Eared Slider
SmallSemi-aquatic turtle with a red stripe behind the eye; grows to 25–30cm.
- Temperament
- active, hardy, not a handling pet
- Origin
- Southern United States and northern Mexico
- Climate
- Water 24–28°C, plus a dry basking spot at 32–35°C.
- Grooming
- Strong filtration; UVB lighting replaced every 6–12 months.
- Exercise
- 400+ litres of swimming water for an adult, with a full-body basking platform.
- Watch for
- shell rot; metabolic bone disease without UVB; respiratory infection
In India: An invasive species in Indian waters — NEVER release one into a lake or river. Several states restrict sale; check locally before buying, and rehome through a rescue rather than releasing.
Indian Star Tortoise
Small · Native to IndiaStar-patterned tortoise native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- Temperament
- shy, slow, solitary
- Origin
- Dry scrub of India and Sri Lanka
- Climate
- Native to Indian conditions; needs dry warmth, shade and a UVB-lit basking area.
- Grooming
- Weekly soaks for hydration; a high-fibre, low-protein grass diet.
- Exercise
- Large outdoor enclosure with sun and shade.
- Watch for
- pyramiding from wrong diet; respiratory infection; parasites
In India: ILLEGAL to keep as a pet in India. Listed on Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and CITES Appendix I — possession is a criminal offence, and the pet trade is the main reason the species is in trouble. Surrender any animal to your state forest department or a licensed rescue centre.
Box Turtle
SmallLand turtle with a hinged shell it can close completely.
- Temperament
- shy, long-lived, territorial
- Origin
- North America
- Climate
- 24–29°C with high humidity and a shaded, damp hide.
- Grooming
- Daily misting; UVB lighting essential.
- Exercise
- Large floor enclosure with deep substrate for digging.
- Watch for
- metabolic bone disease; eye infections from low humidity; shell rot
In India: An imported exotic — ask for documented captive-bred provenance, as wild-caught imports are both illegal and usually sick on arrival.
Russian Tortoise
SmallSmall, hardy Central Asian tortoise, 15–20cm — the most manageable pet tortoise.
- Temperament
- curious, active, solitary
- Origin
- Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran)
- Climate
- Dry heat, 26–32°C basking; humidity is the enemy — struggles in coastal India.
- Grooming
- Weekly soaks; weeds and greens, no fruit.
- Exercise
- Large enclosure with digging substrate — they are determined burrowers.
- Watch for
- respiratory infection in damp air; pyramiding; bladder stones
In India: CITES Appendix II — buy only with paperwork. Coastal humidity in Mumbai, Chennai or Kochi is genuinely hard on this species.