Visakhapatnam: The Hyderabad zonal unit of the directorate of revenue intelligence (DRI) nabbed three persons from Andhra Pradesh for their involvement in wildlife trafficking in two separate incidents.
The DRI officials recovered 9.8 kgs of dead black corals (Antipatharia, and Indrajaal in local parlance), 0.286 kgs of dead soft corals (Alcyonacea, and Mahendrajaal in local parlance) and six Trapezium Horse Conches (Pleuroploca Trapezium) from the possession of two persons at Srisailam on Dec 30.
Black corals and soft corals are listed in Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and are thereby provided the highest degree of protection, whereas Trapezium Horse Conch is listed in Schedule-II of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
During investigation, the two persons revealed that the supplier of the wildlife articles is based out of Ongole in Prakasam district. In a swift follow-up action, a team of officers from Vijayawada regional unit of DRI Hyderabad zone, apprehended the supplier and seized dead black corals weighing 6.64 kgs on Dec 31.
Soft/black corals are marine invertebrates, that are rare and endangered, and are a vital part of coral reef systems. Removing them would destroy the entire habitat in the region.
