Kaziranga: Assam Forest Department officials have rescued a live Tokay Gecko and arrested a man for allegedly attempting to traffic the protected reptile in Kaziranga.
The accused, identified as Rahul Karmakar, was apprehended during an operation carried out by the Bokakhat Forest Range team at Latabari in Kohora. Officials recovered the Tokay Gecko, a Schedule I species protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, from his possession.
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah confirmed the operation and said an investigation is underway to trace the source of the reptile and identify others involved in the illegal wildlife trade network.
“The protection of endangered species remains one of our top priorities. We are committed to taking strict action against wildlife trafficking,” the minister said.
Action against illegal Wildlife Trade continues: Tokay Gecko Rescued in Kaziranga
In a crackdown on illegal wildlife trade, the Bokakhat Range team apprehended Rahul Karmakar of Kohora at Latabari for his alleged involvement in the illegal trade of a Tokay Gecko, a Schedule I… pic.twitter.com/vc8N9Qe5Bo
— Jayanta Mallabaruah (@jayanta_malla) August 21, 2026
The rescue comes as the state continues to intensify efforts to protect its forests and wildlife. Last month, the minister visited the proposed reserve forests of Tharkonalbari and Rakhyasini Pahar in Goalpara district to review encroachment issues following eviction drives aimed at securing forest land.
During the visit, he stressed the need to safeguard forest areas, protect indigenous rights, prevent illegal encroachment, and strengthen habitat conservation to reduce human-elephant conflict.
The successful rescue of the Tokay Gecko highlights Assam’s continued crackdown on wildlife trafficking while reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species.