Guwahati: Kaziranga officials arrested a man and rescued a live Tokay Gecko in an illegal wildlife trade case.Identified as Rahul Karmakar of Kohora, he was apprehended at Latabari in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNP&TR), officials said. Personnel from the Special Rhino Protection Force, Assam Forest Protection Force and the forest department searched his bag after finding his movements suspicious and recovered the gecko.KNP&TR Divisional Forest Officer Arun Vignesh said the Tokay Gecko is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, granting it the highest level of legal protection. Its capture, possession and trade are illegal without specific authorisation.“Preliminary investigation has revealed a big network involved in the smuggling of such rare species. As per our information, such species are used for pet trade,” Vignesh said.He said Tokay Geckos are rare and primarily found in Assam and northeastern states. Officials are investigating the source of the animal and identifying others linked to the smuggling network.They are examining whether Karmakar acted alone or was part of a larger organised operation. Assam forest minister Jayanta Mallabaruah confirmed the arrest and seizure in a post on ‘X’, saying the investigation was underway.
