2 held in Tamil Nadu for poaching 18 turtles

Chennai, Feb 8 : The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has intensified its campaign against the poaching of turtles after the states forest special squad apprehended two persons, including a juvenile, for allegedly poaching and smuggling turtles in Ramanathapuram, an official said on Wednesday.

Based on inputs about illegal poaching and smuggling activities, a special team of the Forest Department on Tuesday conducted an inspection in Ramanathapuram following which two persons who were moving on a two-wheeler were held.

The forest special squad found multiple turtle hatchlings in three plastic containers on the two-wheeler.An official of the special squad, requesting anonymity, told IANS: Eighteen turtle hatchlings were seized, including 17 Indian black turtles and one Indian flap shell turtle, which are listed under Wild Life Protection Act 1972 Schedule I&II.Of the two apprehended individuals, the minor boy was sent to an observation home, while legal action was taken against the other person.

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