Man arrested for smuggling endangered species

India: In a joint operation, border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and forest officials have arrested a smuggler from West Bengal's Alipurduar district and rescued nine Tokay Gecko.

Tokay Gecko is an endangered nocturnal arboreal reptile species which is caught by poachers in north eastern states and smuggled to international buyers in south East Asian countries. Sources say that this reptile is in high demand in countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The arrested person has been identified as Manoj Roy, who was carrying the reptiles for delivery to his contact.

SSB is deployed in various forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries along Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan Border. A total of 120 Border out Posts of SSB are located in these forest areas and therefore it helps in protecting the precious wild life from hunters, smugglers and poachers. SSB said that it has apprehended 74 persons.

(Source: Times of India)