PIB · Government of India ·

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Seizes 86 Live Tokay Geckos and Arrests Two in Assam Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown

Distilled Policy Brief

  • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 86 live Tokay Geckos and arrested two individuals in Mariani, Assam, on September 22, 2026, during an anti-wildlife trafficking operation.
  • The Tokay Gecko is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and listed in Appendix-II of CITES, reflecting its strict regulatory status against illegal international trade driven by demand for exotic pets and traditional medicine.

🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points

Tokay Gecko is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and Appendix-II of CITES.

⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages

Analyze the role of enforcement agencies like the DRI in curbing cross-border wildlife trafficking and protecting biodiversity in India.

🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill

Environment & Ecology

Consider the following statements regarding the Tokay Gecko, recently in the news: 1. It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. It is listed in Appendix-II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • [A] 1 only
  • [B] 2 only
  • [C] Both 1 and 2
  • [D] Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
✓ Correct Option: [C] Both 1 and 2

The Tokay Gecko is strictly protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, providing it the highest level of legal protection in India. Additionally, it is listed in Appendix-II of CITES, which regulates its international trade to prevent utilization incompatible with its survival. Therefore, both statements are correct.

Tark High-Yield Question Bank ⚡ Practice Full Test in Testing Arena ↗

🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)

UPSC Prelims 2021

Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.

Forensic Anchor: Cabinet Allocation of Business Rules & NCAP Framework
Examiner Trap Takeaway: UPSC swapped Central Pollution Control Board role with State Pollution Control Boards for state-level monitoring.

📚 Static Syllabus & Constitutional Linkages

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedules of protection, penalties, and provisions governing hunting, trade, and conservation of wild animals and plants in India.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): International agreement regulating international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants to ensure their survival is not threatened.