Man fined for illegal possession of baby crocodile in Aluthgama
– Hikkaduwa Wildlife Officers arrested a 44-year-old man in the Kaluwamodara area of Aluthgama today (16) for illegally possessing a baby crocodile, according to the Hikkaduwa National Park Headquarters.The suspect was produced before the Kalutara Magistrate, who imposed a fine of Rs. 70,000. The Magistrate also directed the Attidiya Wildlife Veterinarian to release the baby crocodile into a suitable habitat and submit a follow-up report.The crocodile is a strictly protected species under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance. Authorities have noted that some individuals have been keeping baby crocodiles and displaying them to foreign tourists for profit, prompting regular raids by wildlife officers.
The operation was conducted under the instructions of the Hikkaduwa National Park Warden, with wildlife officers G.W.T. Priyankara and L.H.R. Kumara, rangers G.H.L.C. Jayasekara and T.H.C. Dimuthu Kumara, field assistants N.K.V.M. Rajika Priyangani and A.P. Nalin Hemantha, and driver Saman Gurusinghe involved in the raid.