Rescued Tokay Gecko released at Keibul Lamjao National Park
Source: The Sangai Express / Universal News Agency

Imphal, July 29, 2012:: A rare reptile species called Tokay Gecko, rescued by Manipur police from a gang of poachers in Thoubal district on July 25 was released at the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Bishnupur district on Sunday.

On July 25 last, a team of Thoubal district police have intercepted the Tokay Gecko (locally known as Numit Yungbi) which was being carried in a bag by five persons travelling in a maruti van.

According to the disclosure made by the arrested five persons, H Deben (40), Ng Shitaljit (34), L Noren (24), S Basanta (42) and B Sunil Sharma (38), police have come to know that the rare reptile species was collected by them for smuggling to Malaysia.

From their disclosure, police further come to know that they were told to collect the rare reptile species from Yairipok village in Thoubal district by one Sunil Singh from Imphal for onward smuggling to Malaysia through Myanmar.

And according to the police, a smuggler of this rare reptile can easily make up to Rs 20 lakh for a Tokay Gekco weighing above 250 grams and measuring above 14 inches including the tail.

With the value for the reptile's soaring, poachers who targeted other animals have switched focus to Tokays and have been searching for them in the hills and its adjoining areas of the state.

The Tokay Gecko which was in the custody of the Thoubal police since the arrest of the five smuggler was released today at the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the home of state animal Sangai deer, following an order of the Thoubal Chief Judicial Magistrate after conducting a hearing to a petition filed by Thoubal unit of People for Animal (PFA).

Tokay Gecko

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