Wildlife dept indentified 21 species, seized from French national

Gangtok, Jul 23 (UNI) Sikkim wildlife and forest department has so far identified 21 out of 41 species, which were seized from three French nationals at Buk Khola River Reserve in West Sikkim on July 20.

The forest officials here today said the preliminary investigation had revealed that a few species of moths, butterflies and beetles, which do not fall under Schedule I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, were recovered from the French nationals.

About 36 butterflies, three moths and two beetles were recovered, they added.

The foreign nationals had to face severe penalties if the species fell under Schedule I and II, the officials said adding that the accused would have to pay some fine.

The full identification of the species would be completed by today evening and the department would take necessary steps against the foreign nationals, who were on a limited stay period in the state.

The three accused claiming to be students of biology told the forest department that the collection was for academic purpose. They had entered Sikkim on July 20 and their permits were valid till August 5.

However, they have been granted a conditional bail and were asked not to leave Sikkim till the matter was resolved, officials informed.

Meanwhile, the French Embassy in India have also contacted the concerned state government authorities regarding the involvement of its nationals in a wildlife crime.

UNI