Guitarfish Illicit Trade Busted

A bowmouth guitarfish, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, was seized before being exported from Kanniyakumari, and a pair of hammerhead sharks—one identified as the smooth hammerhead, both protected under Schedule II—were butchered and traded in Chennai markets.

- HD Bureau

Forest department officials intercepted the export attempt of the guitarfish and shark fins during a surprise check. The act of catching, transporting, or selling a Schedule I species is a non-bailable offe