Probe Reveals Exotic Animals Kept Without Proper Documents at Erode Farm
An investigation at a farm in Erode, owned by a breeder linked to actor Vikram's video, has uncovered multiple exotic animal species, including African serval cats, being kept without required documentation. Authorities are also investigating the unreported death of a lar gibbon.
Key takeaways
- Authorities are investigating an Erode farm for keeping exotic animals without proper documentation.
- African serval cats and several primate and bird species were found at the facility.
- The farm owner is also being questioned about the unreported death of a lar gibbon.
- The probe has exposed potential gaps in the verification process for exotic animal ownership.
Authorities are investigating an Erode farm after discovering several exotic animal species, including African serval cats, were being housed without the necessary supporting documents. The probe, conducted by the Forest Department and the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (TNWCCB), was initiated following concerns related to a lar gibbon featured in a video by actor Vikram.
The farm owner, S.K. Kesavanathan, an Erode-based breeder, has been asked to produce complete registration documents for the animals. K.V. Appala Naidu, District Forest Officer, Erode, stated that the registration process for the animals is incomplete. He also noted that details are being sought regarding the death of a female lar gibbon, an incident that was not reported to the authorities as required by the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024.
During the inspection, officials identified African servals, including three cubs. The TNWCCB has requested documentation concerning the acquisition and ownership of these animals to ascertain their origin and trace the chain of possession. The farm owner had previously declared a variety of exotic species to the Forest Department, including primates like the cotton-top tamarin, red-handed tamarin, and black-tufted marmoset, as well as multiple Amazon parrot species.
Background
The Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, mandate reporting and registration for animals listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act. For animals imported after a 2022 amendment, applications must include an import license and CITES export permit or certificate. The process involves scrutiny, inquiry, and physical verification before a registration certificate is issued. The recent findings at the farm have highlighted potential weaknesses in the verification system, particularly in confirming the provenance of animals and ensuring that submitted documents match the actual animals present. Sources indicate that field staff, often tasked with inspections, may lack the specialized knowledge to accurately identify all species.
Animal activist Shravan Krishnan suggested that expert involvement in verification is crucial for accurate species identification, especially for young birds and small mammals. He also pointed out the need for a system to individually identify exotic animals, similar to microchipping for pets. Conservation criminologist Shankar Prakash noted that the government currently lacks the infrastructure to house seized exotic animals, posing a logistical challenge in enforcing regulations like the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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