In a swift operation on Wednesday, dedicated volunteers from the Wildlife Rescue Trust (WRT) conducted a raid on a residential property in Vadodara, leading to the recovery of two Indian star tortoises. These protected reptiles were found being kept illegally at a private home.
Operation and Recovery Details
The rescue was spearheaded by Tushar Uttekar, the co-founder of the Wildlife Rescue Trust. Acting on information, Uttekar and his team moved in to secure the animals. The tortoises were subsequently handed over to the local forest department for proper care and custody, following standard wildlife protection protocols.
Investigation and Resident's Claim
The individual found in possession of the tortoises is a contractual employee working at the popular Sayajibaug location. During questioning, the man provided an explanation for the animals' presence. He stated that his son had collected the tortoises from a nearby pond and decided to keep them at their residence.
Uttekar relayed the man's account, noting that the resident categorically denied any involvement in the illegal trade of tortoises. He insisted the act was not commercial but rather an impulsive act by a child. As of now, no formal complaint has been filed against the man by the authorities, though the investigation standardizes the process of securing protected species.
Significance and Legal Framework
The Indian star tortoise is a species protected under India's wildlife laws, and its possession without requisite permits is a punishable offence. Such rescues highlight the ongoing challenges of wildlife trafficking and the casual keeping of wild animals as pets. The swift action by the WRT volunteers underscores the critical role played by non-governmental organizations in assisting official forest department efforts to curb such activities and ensure the welfare of native species.
This incident in Vadodara serves as a reminder to the public about the legal and ethical implications of removing wildlife from their natural habitats. It also showcases the effective collaboration between citizen volunteers and government departments in upholding wildlife conservation statutes.
