Forty-two wild animals from eight different species were rescued in an operation conducted by the Wildlife Crime Control Unit of the Forest Department in Dhaka's Mirpur-12 area on Tuesday. One person was arrested on charges of illegal wildlife possession and trade. The rescued animals include one peacock, three spectacled langurs, three rhesus macaques, 13 hill tortoises, 12 Asian water monitors, one myna, one white-rumped shama, and three Indian roller birds.
Wildlife Inspector Asim Mallik stated that the operation was based on a tip-off. The animals were being illegally collected and kept. After a health check, the animals will be released into a suitable environment or rehabilitated.
Officials from the Wildlife Crime Control Unit have vowed to continue their operations against wildlife trafficking and illegal trade. They have also urged the public to report any such illegal activities to the Forest Department.
