A zoology teacher of Yuvaraja’s College, University of Mysore, has come under the scanner of the Forest Department and college authorities for keeping turtles in her custody for research.
The forest staff who visited the college seized the turtles and released them in their habitat. College principal Nanje Gowda sought a clarification from Chandavar Vidya R, who was principal investigator, Department of Zoology.
After preliminary enquiry, the forest officials came to know that the turtles belong to Chandavar R Vidya, current head of Biotechnology Department.
When contacted, Vidya said she had permission from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to use blood samples of turtles for research.
However, the RFO, in his report, stated that she was permitted to carry out research for a period of one year.
Though Chandavar claimed that she had permission to keep turtles for research, the forest officials clarified that people cannot keep turtles for research or for breeding as per the Wildlife Protection Act. They seized all 11 turtles and released them in Gendehosahalli Island in Sriranagapatna taluk.