BSF Seized GECKO on Indo-Bangla International Border
Guwahati
BSF troops deployed at Kasinda, East Khasi Hills district (Meghalaya) seized GECKO on Indo-Bangla International Border. BSF troops on Friday saw some suspicious movement of a person with bag infiltrating into Indian territory from Bangladesh. When BSF party on duty challenged him to stop he fled towards Bangladesh leaving behind a bag. On searching, 01 Tokay Gecko species of lizard was recovered from the bag.
Tokay Geckos are in great demand in some South East Asian countries for their purported medicinal values which has led to an increase in illegal trade of the species .A mature gecko can easily fetch huge money lakh. Owing to their small size, they can easily be smuggled in large numbers by poachers who have found an abundant populace of the lizard species in the forests. Though it a rear species.
It’s a significant and praise worthy effort by BSF as following the events in the recent past causing threat to the survival of the Gecko, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) incorporated it under Schedule IV of Protection of Wildlife by a notification issued on 6th Dec’ 2013. With this notification, rearing, hunting and trade in Geckos became cognizable offences under the Protection of Wildlife. If apprehended, a fine of upto Rs 10,000 and/or a prison term of up to three years are the likely punishments.
In another significant achievement, BSF troops deployed at Muktapur, West Jaintia Hills district, Pyrdwah, East Jaintia Hills district, Beldova, Gopinathkilla and Lakaichar, South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya seized 31 Nos cattle worth Rs. 2,34,000/- while being smuggled out to Bangladesh from India.
Seized items handed over to concerned department for further legal action.
