Illegal wildlife trade busted in Andhra Pradesh

In a decisive crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, Andhra Pradesh forest officials arrested three persons in Srikakulam on Tuesday. The arrest came after the interception of a vehicle carrying a treasure trove of rare animal species intended for illegal trade.

According to a department news release, the wildlife seized included a seven-year-old African sulcata tortoise, two younger tortoises, 17 African ball pythons and a four-month-old serval cat. The suspects, Syaj, Vijay and Muzayith, are from Karnataka and were captured during their journey from Bhubaneswar, Odisha to Bengaluru.

Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department assessed the health of the animals and confirmed their stable condition after veterinary care. Plans are afoot to shift the rescued creatures to the Visakhapatnam Zoo. The forest department has emphasized that it is committed to strict legal repercussions for anyone involved in wildlife smuggling.

(With input from agencies.)