21 young tortoises stolen from the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden between one and six in the morning, Saturday, March 23, can be negotiated between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000 each depending on their age and size. So that the 21 young reptiles, known as giant tortoises of the Seychelles and with the scientific name of "elephantopus", can fetch up to Rs 400,000 on the black market.
A lucrative seems to grow. Since last year, dozens of tortoises have been stolen by suspected traffickers. Also reserve the Pamplemousses garden and individual owners, the Casela Bird Park and Vanille Crocodile Park have also borne the brunt of thieves.