West Jaintia Hills [Meghalaya], August 7 (HornbillTV): West Jaintia Hills police have rescued seven endangered exotic wildlife species and arrested two smugglers.

Acting on specific input, Police intercepted a Tata Sumo ML-11-0661 driven by one Kormola Bru (24) of Mizoram on Friday night.

Informing about the incident, Police said, “During the search, two Hoolock gibbons, one Great Indian hornbill, two grey langurs, one Phayre's leaf monkey, and an otter were rescued.”

Police also informed that the two accused have been detained and handed over to WildLife Division Jowai.

The case has been registered under Schedule 1 and 2 of the Wild Life Protection Act & International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list.

Meanwhile, Forest and Environment Minister James Sangma said, “Deeply saddened by the news of illegal consignments of exotic animals seized by Jowai Police. What saddens me more is that all animals fall under the IUCN Red List's 'endangered' species. Such acts will not be tolerated & perpetrators shall face stringent actions as per law.”

Stressing on the need to protect the animals and the need to conserve wildlife, Sangma said, “Animals are an integral part of our biodiversity, necessary to sustain an ecological balance, and therefore it is of paramount importance that people are aware of the need for protection and conservation of wildlife.”