TODAY -
Tokay Gecko listed under Schedule IV
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 31 2013 :
Taking cognizance of the impending threat to the survival of Tokay Gecko, a lizard of Gekkonodae family, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has enlisted the species under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 .
A notification was issued to this effect by the Additional Director General of Forests (WL) and Director Wildlife Preservation, MoEF, Government of India on December 6, conveyed a press release issued by Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Manipur Th Ibobi.
In response to a hard-hitting proposal submitted by the State Forest Department following numerous reports of hunting Tokay Gecko for international trade, the Ministry listed the species at entry No 15-A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 .
With the inclusion of the species in the Schedule, any kind of offence to the species including hunting, rearing and trade is now a cognizable offence under the Act and is punishable with imprisonment for a term of three years or fine or both.
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The same notification issued by MoEF on December 6 upgraded the status of Hog Deer, locally known as Kharsa from Schedule III to Schedule I .
Incidentally, hog deer is found in different parts of the State, particularly in swamp areas including Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Since it has been listed in Schedule I, any offence to this species is punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than three years but may extend up to seven years with fine.
Meanwhile, Japanese Quails (Cotunix japonica) of farm bred variety has been removed from the Schedule.
However, the rest of the quail species are still in the Schedules.
Moreover, the Prevention of Money Laundering (Amendment) Act 2012 or the PML Act which came into force with effect from February 15, 2012 has brought the wildlife related offences committed in violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 within its ambit.
As such properties derived from the proceeds of wildlife crime are now liable to be attached to the Government in addition to the penalty prescribed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 .
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