Guwahati: Smuggling of prized Tokay Gecko continues in the North-Eastern region despite the vigil of authorities.
On Monday, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau arrested two smugglers and seized seven Tokay Geckos at airport road, Jalukbari. The arrested persons are Hasinur Rahman and Hafizur Rahman Khan.
Under the Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Tokay Gecko is listed as a 'highly endangered animal'.
The rare lizard found mostly in North-East India, has an international market and demands high price due to which many find it lucrative to smuggle. It’s used in Chinese medicine and also in space study due to the adhesive found in its feet.
The operation was lead by Dr. K K Sarma, Assistant Director, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
The WCCB is a statutory multi-disciplinary body established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, to combat organized wildlife crime in the country.
