A RECENT study conducted by a Delhi-
based NGO, Vatavaran, revealed that
there iva blatant plundering of the
Nilgiri bioreserve by the international
wildlife trade cartel. The bioreserve
constitutes 15 per cent of India's total
protected area sheltering 100 mammalian species, 550 avian species and
30 reptilian species. Vatavaran stated
that both within and outside the boundaries of the reserve, live specimens and
their body parts are available in as many
as 30 spots.
Elephant tusk measuring 20 cm in
length sells at about Rs 5,000. Tiger skins
can be bought under the counter, while
tiger nails can be easily procured for
Rs 500 and a tiger tooth for Rs 300. The
meat of a black-naped bare, an Indian
pangolin, 3,jackal or a jungle cat is available for Rs 50-100 per kg - cheaper
than even mutton or chicken. While a
live bonnet macaque is sold for Rs 100,
a lion-tailed macaque - the most
endangered primate - can be procured
for Rs 500 to Rs 1,200.
Twenty eight species of birds included in the schedule iv and seven species of
birds in the schedule i of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, are being traded
illegally. Live peacocks or their chopped
heads, legs, claws and feathers are also
sold within the borders of the reserve.
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