Why in the News?
Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized two live Indian Red Sand Boa snakes in Warangal, Telangana, during an operation against illegal wildlife trade.
Key Highlights
- The operation was conducted by the Hyderabad zonal unit of DRI.
- Officials acted on intelligence regarding illegal sale of live snakes in the grey market.
- Two live snakes were recovered from the suspect’s bag during an undercover decoy operation.
About Indian Red Sand Boa
- Scientific name: Eryx johnii
- Non-venomous burrowing snake species found in India.
- Often targeted in illegal wildlife trade due to superstitions and false medicinal beliefs.
Legal Protection
- The species is protected under: Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
Significance of Schedule I
- Provides the highest level of legal protection.
- Hunting, possession, and trade are prohibited.
Action Taken
- The snakes and accused were handed over to the Forest Range Officer, Warangal.
- Further investigation is underway to identify possible wildlife trafficking networks.
| [2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply? [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 not 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. |
