Operation Save Kurma
- The operation was conducted to combat the proliferating illegal trade of live turtles and its parts from the country to destinations abroad.
- The operation was also aimed to invite attention of the enforcement agencies towards such illegal trade.
- During the operation conducted from December 15, 2016 to January 30, 2017, approximately 16,000 live turtles and tortoises were seized and released back into the wild.
- WCCB had worked in close collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies of different states.
- Why in news?
- India was awarded certificate of commendation for its effort to combat illegal wildlife trade by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
- The award was given to Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) for its efforts in conducting and coordinating species-specific wildlife enforcement operation, codenamed ‘Operation Save Kurma’.