Six cases of illegal trade of protected species detected in February

Mumbai: The wildlife crime control bureau (western region) has detected six cases of illegal trading of protected species in Mumbai in February. As part of its crackdown, WCCB seized 20 star tortoises and 15 birds like falcons and parakeets.

While the board will be producing the accused in the court, all the rescued bird species (Dexandrine Parakeet and Rose Ringed Parakeet) and star tortoises are in the bureau’s custody.

However, the bureau has claimed that the number of cases have reduced as compared to 2006, insisting that a lot of changes have taken place. Hence, in a bid to create awareness about protected species and abuse of animals, the WCCB organised a public display of animal parts and animal skins seized by them.

In collaboration with WCCB, the state forest department organised the event on World Wildlife Day. More than 1,000 visitors attended the event at Sanjay Gandhi National Park.   

M. Maranko, regional deputy director of WCCB, said, “Our aim is to break the chain of illegal trading by educating people. If the demand for articles made out of skin of protected species falls in the market, then the supply will automatically reduce.”