The Thane Forest Department, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), along with the help of the NGO Wildlife Welfare Association, jointly raided Mumbai`s Crawford Market on Friday and seized a large number of illegally kept wild animals and birds.

The intelligence gathering and direct assistance of the NGO Wildlife Welfare Association played a crucial role in this operation. A total of 112 Rose-ringed Parakeets — 11 of which were found dead — 67 Indian Star Tortoises, 16 Indian Roofed Turtles, 10 Alexandrine Parrots (Parakeets), 10 Indian Tent Tortoises and 10 Indian Eye Turtles, and one Indian Softshell Turtle have been seized. Cases have been registered under various sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

All the seized animals and birds have been shifted to a secure place and arrangements have been made for their necessary medical examination and care. The forest department has announced that such joint operations will continue in the future to curb illegal wildlife trade.

“This seizure is a stern warning to wildlife smugglers. Illegal trade of protected species will not be tolerated,” said a senior forest official.

All the seized animals are currently under the care of the forest department and will be rehabilitated as per wildlife protection guidelines.

Source