An animal breeding farm owner in Erode has been booked for failing to register rare Lar gibbons and hiding the death of one. Investigations also uncovered seven unregistered African serval cats.
Key Takeaways
- Case registered against K. Keshavanathan in Perundurai, Erode for violating Wildlife Protection laws.
- Failure to register three Lar gibbons within the mandatory 30-day window.
- Concealment of the death of one exotic Lar gibbon.
- Discovery of seven unregistered African serval cats at the facility.
The Erode Forest Division has officially booked K. Keshavanathan, owner of an animal breeding farm in Perundurai, following a breach of wildlife regulations. The charges involve the failure to register three Lar gibbons—an exotic species protected under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972—and the non-disclosure of the death of one such animal.
The investigation revealed that the animals were acquired from Manipur on June 1, 2026, but the mandatory registration under the Living Animal Species Rules was only attempted on August 9, well past the legal deadline. Furthermore, the inspection uncovered a cache of seven African serval cats that had also escaped official registration protocols.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the illegal trade and improper documentation of exotic species pose a significant threat to global biodiversity. When private entities bypass registration, it creates a shadow market that facilitates wildlife trafficking and endangers species listed under CITES.
The illegal possession of exotic species without stringent oversight is a direct violation of international conservation treaties.
The controversy gained momentum after actor Vikram posted a video on social media interacting with a Lar gibbon. This prompted an immediate inquiry by the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, leading to a formal inspection of the farm on August 12.
Historical Background
The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 serves as the primary legal framework for wildlife conservation in India. It strictly regulates the possession, trade, and breeding of animals, particularly those listed in sensitive schedules to prevent extinction and illegal smuggling.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Lar gibbon?
It is an exotic primate species protected under CITES Appendix I, meaning international trade is strictly controlled to prevent extinction.
2. What are the legal consequences for the farm owner?
The owner faces charges under Section 49M(8) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, and the fate of the remaining animals is currently under review by the Chief Wildlife Warden.
| Animal Species | Count | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Lar Gibbon | 3 | Unregistered / Death concealed |
| African Serval Cat | 7 | Unregistered possession |
