In connection with the International Day of Biological Diversity (May 22) an awareness campaign has been launched in India by
UN Environment India
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of India
The tagline ‘Not all animals migrate by choice’ will be displayed at major airports across India.
The campaign aims to raise awareness on illegal wildlife trade.
Chennai Airport
According to animal conservation organisation TRAFFIC (Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce-India) Chennai is becoming the hub of illegal animal trade in South Asia and South East Asia.
Star Tortoise, red-eared slider, pangolin, shark fins are the most smuggled animals from Chennai.
Most of the animals smuggled out of Chennai are used in preparation traditional medicines in South-East Asia and China. Ex: shark fins
Recent seizures at Chennai airport
Date
Animal Caught
March 25, 2019
African horn pit viper seized along with 2 rhinoceros iguanas, 3 rock iguanas, 22 Egyptian tortoises, 4 blue-tongued skinks and 3 green tree frogs
February 2, 2019
Leopard cub seized from a man who arrived from Bangkok
December 20, 2018
4,800 red-eared slider turtles seized from two passengers who arrived from Bangkok
April 6, 2018
65 star tortoises seized from a passenger bound for Bangkok