Guwahati: Forest officials rescued 30 tokay geckos and arrested a person after foiling an alleged wildlife trafficking attempt in Golaghat, forest minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said on Sunday.Tokay geckos are Schedule I protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.Acting on intelligence, personnel of Bokakhat Range under Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, in coordination with officers of Dimapur Customs (Preventive) Division, intercepted the consignment at Garmur in Golaghat.The arrested person was identified as Mohanta Pegu alias Baiti Pegu of Aamtenga, No 2 Baligaon, in Bokakhat.The reptiles were released into their natural habitat after due legal procedures and court approval, Mallabaruah said.“The investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended destination of these wildlife specimens and to identify any other persons who may be connected with the alleged illegal wildlife trade,” Mallabaruah added.“Assam’s wildlife is not for sale. We will continue to act firmly against illegal wildlife trafficking while ensuring that rescued animals are given every opportunity to return safely to the wild,” Mallabaruah said.On Sept 5, two suspected wildlife smugglers were arrested in Sonitpur district after a joint operation led to the recovery of 12 tokay geckos.A team of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Crime Investigation Range of Biswanath Wildlife Division carried out the operation near Jia Bharali Bridge. Acting on inputs, the team intercepted the suspected traffickers and rescued the reptiles allegedly being transported for illegal trade.
