Two apprehended with protected bird species in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — In a routine market raid conducted by the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU) of the Wildlife Division, Dimapur, two women were apprehended at the Lengrijan Tuesday Bazaar on May 7, for possession of a total of 79 Red collared doves, a species protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The accused, both residents of Monsing Teron Village in Dillai, Assam, have been detained by the WCCU and will face legal action in accordance with the Wildlife Protection Act, according to an update.

Emphasising the importance of public awareness and cooperation in curbing wildlife crime, the Wildlife Division, Dimapur, reminded the public that buying, selling, or possessing wild animals, birds, bushmeat, or wildlife products is illegal and punishable by law. Additionally, creating or sharing content on social media that depicts hunting, trapping, or displaying wildlife items is also a serious offense under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.

Further, a dedicated team of Wildlife Crime Control Unit is on a vigil 24x7 and defaulters will be strictly dealt with as per the law, it added.