A 26-year-old suspect arrested for attempting to sell a leopard tooth for Rs. 50,000 in Matara has been released on two bail bonds of Rs. 200,000 each by the Matara Additional Magistrate’s Court.
The suspect, a resident of Beruwala in the Kalutara District, was arrested during a raid conducted by officers of the Panahaduwa Range Protection Office of the Udawalawe National Park on October 14.
The suspect was produced before the Matara Additional Magistrate’s Court on the same day, along with the seized leopard tooth.
The court subsequently ordered his release on bail, while the case is scheduled to be taken up again on December 11.
According to wildlife authorities, the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is a strictly protected animal under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.
Authorities emphasised that the possession, transportation, display and trade of body parts belonging to protected wildlife species are strictly prohibited.
The public has also been urged to report wildlife crimes through the emergency hotline 1992, as authorities continue efforts to prevent the illegal trade in protected animal parts. (Newswire)