What You Need to Know
• On June 5, 2023, one male and two female lar gibbons were transferred from Manipur to Tamil Nadu for adoption.
• Investigators found no documentation proving permission was obtained from Tamil Nadu’s Chief Wildlife Warden for the transfer.
• The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is involved in the investigation regarding the legality of the gibbons’ movement.
On June 5, 2023, Tamil Nadu Forest Department officials reported that one male and two female lar gibbons were transferred from Manipur to a person in Perundurai, Tamil Nadu, under the pretext of adoption. However, investigators have not located any documentation that indicates permission was granted by Tamil Nadu’s Chief Wildlife Warden for this transfer. Following this, on August 5, 2023, one male and one female gibbon were further transferred from Perundurai to a relative of an individual named Vikram in Chennai. The investigation is now focused on tracing the origins of the gibbons and ensuring compliance with regulations governing the movement of CITES-listed species. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, a federal agency, is also examining the case to determine if any wildlife trafficking laws were violated.
Why It Matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the illegal trade of exotic wildlife in India, particularly in regions bordering Myanmar. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is scrutinizing the documentation related to the gibbons’ transfer to ensure compliance with international wildlife protection agreements. In recent years, there have been numerous incidents of exotic animals being smuggled into India, indicating a persistent issue with wildlife trafficking. The involvement of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the need for stringent enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
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