Malkangiri: The forest department sleuths in Odisha’s Malkangiri district Wednesday seized 155 live flap-shelled turtles while being illegally transported, officials said.
Acting on reliable information, the staff of Malkangiri forest range intercepted a three-wheeler near Tamsa Village under Malkangiri-I Beat.
We have seized 155 live Indian Flap-shelled Turtles (Lissemys punctata) being illegally transported and seized the three-wheeler, an official statement said.
The Indian Flap-shelled Turtle is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The reptiles have been seized, and a case has been registered in this connection.
However, the driver of the three-wheeler managed to flee.
Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the person involved.