Ukhrul Forest Division Seizes Schedule I Wildlife Species in Raid at HQ Ground

Acting on a specific tip-off about the sale of wildlife articles, the Ukhrul Forest Division carried out a swift raid at HQ Ground, Ukhrul, and seized several protected species allegedly being sold or offered as lottery prizes.

The team recovered Schedule I species, including Austen’s Brown Hornbill (Anorrhinus austeni) and Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos), along with other Schedule II birds. However, those involved in the illegal sale or lottery distribution fled the scene before officials could apprehend them.

A Preliminary Offence Report (POR) has been registered by the Ukhrul Forest Division, formally initiating legal proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The Forest Department reiterated its strict warning against hunting, selling, or trading scheduled wild animals or their derivatives. It emphasized that such acts endanger the state’s biodiversity and constitute cognizable, non-bailable offences under the law.