A Canadian man was apprehended at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, on January 6 after allegedly trying to transport the skull of a baby crocodile on board a flight bound for Canada, as stated by Customs officials.
The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was intercepted during a routine security examination at the airport. Upon inspecting his belongings, security personnel at the airport uncovered a peculiar item among his possessions – a skull bearing sharp teeth reminiscent of a baby crocodile’s jaw. The skull, weighing approximately 777 grams (equivalent to 1.7 pounds), was carefully bundled in a cream-colored cloth, as reported by Delhi Customs in a social media post.
According to the Customs Department, the man was preparing to embark on a flight destined for Canada when the discovery was made. The Department of Forests and Wildlife conducted a detailed diagnostic assessment on the skull and confirmed its origin to be that of a baby crocodile. This determination was based on specific characteristics such as the texture, tooth pattern, well-developed bony palate, and nostrils present on the skull.
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, an Indian legislation designed to safeguard the nation’s wildlife and their habitats from various threats including poaching, smuggling, and illicit trade, classifies the species to which the skull belongs under Schedule-I protection. While crocodiles are not explicitly mentioned in the act, the broader category of “Amphibians and Reptiles” encompasses their protection.
In response to the alleged violation of the Wildlife Protection Act committed by the Canadian passenger, he was promptly arrested for illegally possessing and attempting to export the baby crocodile skull. The Customs Department stressed the significance of cooperation between Customs and Forest Departments in preventing the smuggling of protected wildlife items. Following the arrest, the confiscated skull was transferred to the Department of Forests and Wildlife for further laboratory examinations to determine the precise species of crocodile it belonged to.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to enforce wildlife and customs regulations to preserve vulnerable species and combat illegal trafficking of protected wildlife items. The collaboration between governmental bodies such as Customs and Forest Departments is vital in safeguarding endangered wildlife from being exploited and trafficked.
As investigations continue, the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun has been tasked with conducting additional scientific analyses to definitively identify the exact species of crocodile the seized skull originates from. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and stringent enforcement of wildlife protection laws to curtail the illicit trade in endangered species and their derivatives.
For the latest updates on this developing story, readers are encouraged to stay tuned to official announcements from Delhi Customs and relevant authorities to track the progress of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
