Why in the News?
Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, intercepted a wildlife smuggling attempt involving endangered primates brought from Bangkok.
Key Details
• Two red shanked douc monkeys were recovered from a passenger arriving on flight TG 325 from Bangkok.
• The animals were concealed inside check in baggage.
• The passenger was arrested under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Customs Act, 1962.
• The rescued primates were handed over to animal welfare authorities for rehabilitation.
• Further investigation is ongoing.
About Red Shanked Douc Monkey
• Scientific name: Pygathrix nemaeus
• Habitat: Tropical forests of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Listed under CITES Appendix I
• Known for distinctive red lower limbs and colourful facial markings
Legal and International Framework
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 provides legal protection to endangered species in India.
• CITES regulates international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora.
• Appendix I species face the strictest trade restrictions.
Prelims Pointers
- Airports are major transit points for wildlife trafficking.
- Smuggling of CITES listed species is a serious international offence.
- India is a signatory to CITES and enforces it through domestic laws.
- Wildlife trafficking is among the top illegal trades globally after drugs and arms.
| In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? (2017)
(a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger. (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and how it is impossible to prevent its extinction. (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India. (d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context. |
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