Kerala   

Wildlife in the wrong places

The illegal possession of wild animals by educational institutions is worrying the Wildlife authorities of the State.

The trend among the educational institutions to unauthorisedly keep the animals came to light following the seizure of some rare birds and animals from a few schools in Ernakulam district.

The animals that were seized from the schools include Malabar Giant Squirrel, Brahmini Kite, crocodile, monkeys and pythons. All these animals have been included in the various schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act making their unauthorised possession an offence.

Although some of the animals that were seized from the schools in Ernakulam were released to the wild, the issue is yet to be over. The possession and custody of any wild animal is a culpable offence under the Wildlife Protection Act and no schools and individuals are permitted to keep them, explains V.S. Varghese, Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife).

People may not be keeping them with ulterior motives. Yet, it cannot be permitted, as it is an act punishable under the law, he said.

A python and a crocodile were released to the Sholayar Forest area. Some others will be released to Thattekad sanctuary soon, said N. Sudheer, Divisional Forest Officer, Malayattoor, the custodian of the animals.

The release of the seized animal is again a cumbersome process, as it has to be ensured that the animal is free of any diseases. After being in custody for long, the animal would have already become tamed making their survival difficult in forest, Mr. Sudhir said.

The government had earlier allowed people to make declarations regarding the possession of wild animals. As the facility has expired, any possession of wild animal is a crime and would invite legal action, he said.

K.S. Sudhi

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