Kolkata : The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully thwarted another wildlife trafficking attempt along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) on Wednesday, rescuing an Alpaca that was being smuggled into India from Bangladesh.
According to N.K. Pandey, DIG and Spokesperson for the BSF’s South Bengal Frontier, troops from the 32 Battalion stationed at the Banpur Border Outpost detected suspicious movement near the boundary fence. Upon closer inspection, they observed three Bangladeshi smugglers using a bamboo ladder to facilitate the illegal transfer of the animal into India.
Pandey explained that four Indian accomplices were positioned to catch the Alpaca as it tumbled over the fence. “Our jawans issued a warning and then fired a shot, prompting the Bangladeshi smugglers to retreat across the zero line, while the Indian miscreants took cover in a nearby mango orchard,” he stated.
The BSF personnel subsequently retrieved the Alpaca and transported it to the Banpur BOP, where it was officially identified as an Alpaca. The animal has since been handed over to the Forest Department for rehabilitation and care.
“The swift and decisive actions of our vigilant troops are a testament to the BSF’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding our borders and protecting wildlife,” Pandey remarked. “The BSF remains a formidable deterrent to all illegal activities along the frontier, and we will continue to remain ever watchful.”
Alpacas are gentle, herd animals native to South America, particularly countries like Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. Known for their high-quality wool, Alpacas produce approximately two kilograms of wool annually, sufficient for one blanket. With their long necks, they are often confused with Llamas, their more aggressive relatives used as pack animals in the Andes.
In recent years, Alpacas have gained popularity among exotic pet collectors globally, including in India. However, there have been reports of illegal private zoos housing these animals in unsuitable hot and humid environments. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of wildlife trafficking and the need for vigilance at border security.