21 species seized from French nationals identified
Gangtok, July 24: 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.
The forest officials here yesterday 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 on July 20 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 completed last evening.
Necessary steps will be taken against the foreign nationals, who were on a limited stay period in the state, they informed.
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