Two individuals have been arrested in Bengaluru for trafficking pangolins, a critically endangered scaled mammal protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The arrests were made by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Karnataka Forest Department, acting on intelligence gathered over several months.
The accused, identified as Basavaraj and Nagaraj, were apprehended while attempting to sell a live pangolin near the Hessarghatta Lake area. A live pangolin was recovered from their possession, along with tools used for capturing the animal. Investigations revealed the duo were part of a larger network involved in the illegal trade of pangolins and their scales.
Pangolins are highly sought after in the international black market, primarily in East and Southeast Asian countries, where their scales are used in traditional medicine and their meat is considered a delicacy. This demand drives the illegal hunting and trafficking of these animals, pushing them towards extinction.
The CID team traced the origin of the pangolin to the forests of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, indicating a cross-border operation. The investigation is now focused on identifying and apprehending other members of the trafficking network, including those involved in sourcing the animals and facilitating their transport.
Forest officials highlighted the challenges in combating pangolin trafficking due to the secretive nature of the trade and the high profits involved. They emphasized the importance of inter-state and international cooperation to effectively disrupt these criminal networks. The recovered pangolin has been handed over to the Bannerghatta Biological Park for rehabilitation.
This case marks a significant success for the Karnataka Forest Department in its efforts to protect endangered wildlife. Authorities are continuing their vigilance and working to raise awareness about the plight of pangolins and the consequences of illegal wildlife trade. The accused face severe penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
