The Forest Officials had seized seven star tortoises and a endangered bird species from a pet shop at Avarampalayam.
After receiving a cue on illegal trading at Asian pet shop, Avarampalayam, the officials acted swiftly and recovered the star tortoises from Rajkumar, the owner of the pet shop. The officials are inquiring Rajkumar to know more about the source behind the crime.
Presently, the trade of star tortoises at pet shops have been frequently reported as they fetch huge money, wherein the trade is banned under Appendix-II of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.