Rescued Tokay Gecko released at Keibul Lamjao
Source: Hueiyen News Service / UNA
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 last, was released at Keibul Lamjao National Park in Bishnupur district today.
On July 25 last, a team of Thoubal district police intercepted a Maruti Van in which five persons were travelling with Tokay Gecko (locally known as Numit Yungbi) concealed in a bag.
According to the disclosure made by the arrested five persons identified as H Deben (40), Ng Shitaljit (34), L Noren (24), S Basanta (42) and B Sunil Sharma (38), police came to know that the rare reptile species was collected by them to smuggle to Malaysia where there is high demand.
From their disclosure, police also came to know that the rare reptile species was brought from Yairipok and was being taken to Myanmar for smuggling to Malaysia at the behest of one Sunil Singh of Imphal.
According to 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 seized Tokay Gecko, which had been in the custody of Thoubal police since the arrest of the five smugglers, was released today at the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the home of state animal Sangai deer, following an order passed by Thoubal Chief Judicial Magistrate after a hearing a petition filed by Thoubal unit of People for Animal (PFA) .
In the petition, the PFA prayed the court to allow the Tokay Gecko to be released at a suitable place where rare reptile species can survive.
According to wildlife experts, though it is rare, Tokay Gecko is also available in Jiribam and its adjoining areas as well as in the forest of hill districts of the state.
It is said that Tokay Gecko reptiles are believed to have high medicinal value and there is high demand of these species in Malaysia and other Asian countries.
However, Dr Kh Shamugou Singh, a wildlife expert, said there is no scientific proof that these species has medicinal value.