Manipur Forest dept seizes two rare wildlife species, arrests hunter

Imphal: A hunter was arrested and fined a hefty sum of Rs 2 lakhs after being caught with two endangered wild animals in Manipur.

The incident occurred during a routine frisking and checking operation at the Langol Reserved Forest area in Imphal West district.

Premjit Takhellambam, 30, a resident of Moreh in Tengnoupal district, was apprehended by the Manipur Forest Department, with the assistance of the police, on Sunday.

He was found in possession of a Banded Palm Civet (Hemigalus derbyanus) and a white-browed black langur (Trachypithecus laotianus), both listed under Schedule-IV Appendix 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Takhellambam was booked under the Act and charged a significant fine for his involvement in the illegal trade of these protected species.

The seized animals were handed over to the Manipur Zoological Garden for inspection, care, and safekeeping.

The Forest Department has appealed to the public to report any information regarding wildlife trafficking or illegal possession of protected species.