The Cane tortoise, Heosemys silvatica reported only in the forests of Kerala is now discovered in the higher elevations of the Western Ghats in the district of Dakshin Kannada in Karnataka state. The lesser known Travancore tortoise Indotestodo forestinii is found to be sympatric with the former. These inhabit the same terrestrial habitat which is under high pressure of exploitation. The slightest disturbance of the habitat is likely to decimate the population. Hence it is a very good indicator of the health of the terrestrial environment.