Seven endangered hornbills were rescued by police as they were being smuggled through West Jaintia Hills last night.
According to a release from the authorities today, a special team from Jowai police intercepted a Mahindra Bolero (MZ 01 R 0463) on National Highway 6.
The vehicle, driven by the lone occupant, NK Thangtea (22), a resident of Aizawl, was searched thoroughly and three cages were found covered in cardboard. Seven hornbills were found in these cages and police suspect that they were being smuggled as Thangtea did not have legal documents for their transportation.
Wildlife officials then confirmed that the birds belong to an endangered species and fall under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The birds are now being looked after by wildlife officials in Jowai. Thangtea was arrested and the vehicle seized.
Only a few days prior, police in West Jaintia Hills had rescued two Hoolock gibbons, two grey langurs, a Great Indian hornbill, a Phyre’s leaf monkey and an otter from a Meghalaya-registered vehicle which was coming from Mizoram. The driver, Kormola Bru (24), of Mizoram, and another occupant were detained.
