The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Hyderabad Zonal Unit has seized a significant quantity of illegal wildlife articles, including 9.812 kgs of dead Black Corals (Antipatharia), 0.286 kgs of dead Soft Corals (Alcyonacea), and six Trapezium Horse Conches (Pleuroploca Trapezium). The seizure was made from two individuals involved in the illegal trade.
Further investigations revealed that the supplier of these wildlife articles was based in Ongole, a coastal town in Andhra Pradesh. Acting swiftly, a team from the DRI’s Vijayawada Regional Unit apprehended the supplier and seized an additional 6.64 kgs of dead Black Corals on December 31.
Soft and Black Corals are rare and endangered marine invertebrates critical to the survival of coral reef ecosystems. These corals:
- Provide shelter and food for marine species.
- Are integral to maintaining ecological balance.
The illegal removal of these corals disrupts habitats and food chains, causing long-term ecological damage. Despite their ecological importance, these corals, locally known as ‘mahendrajaal’ (Soft Corals) and ‘indrajaal’ (Black Corals), are sold for ornamental purposes, believed to bring good luck when displayed in homes.
The apprehended individuals, along with the seized wildlife articles and vehicles, were handed over to the Forest Department of Andhra Pradesh for further investigation under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Officials emphasized that there are no verified medical or problem-solving benefits associated with Soft or Black Corals, underscoring the senseless destruction of vital marine life for decorative purposes.
This operation reflects DRI’s commitment to curbing illegal wildlife trade and protecting India’s biodiversity.