Tokay Geckos released to the wild
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 02 2012:
All the eight Tokay Geckos rescued from Kangmong, Bishnupur district were released today in Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Meanwhile, two individuals who were rearing the Tokay Geckos have surrendered before the Court.
On the other hand, it is reported that encroachers and lack of cooperation from the surrounding people have turned out to be big obstacles in the efforts to make Keibul Lamjao National Park a World Heritage Site.
Eight Tokay Geckos rescued by a combined team of Nambol Police and DFO Bishnupur from Kangmong Meisnam Maning Leikai a few days back were released today in Keibul Lamjao National in accordance to an order of the CJM Bishnupur.
The Tokay Geckos were rescued when they were being kept in captivity in the houses of Sinam Ranjit Khuman and M Puhanba on July 30 .
Of the eight Tokay Geckos released today, two were females and six males.
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According to DFO L Lukhoi, Sinam Ranjit and M Puhanba surrendered before a Court on July 31 and they are currently under judicial custody.
Though this species of lizard is not included among the scheduled animals, any one found hunting or trading the same species can be imprisoned for three years or fined up to Rs 25,000 under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Environmentalist Dr Kh Shamungou who was present when the Tokay Geckos were released said that the particular species of lizard is found at Moreh, Jiribam and Tamenglong in Manipur.
Though this species is traditionally believed to possess medicinal values in South East Asian countries, there is no scientific proof in support of the belief, Shamungou said.
On the other hand, Keibul Lamjao National Park, being the natural habitat of Sangai which is also a floating park, fulfils all the parameters of being a World Heritage Site but encroachment and lack of support from the surrounding people have been denying the status of World Heritage Site to the unique park.