In a major action against illegal wildlife trade, the Gujarat Forest Department, Wildlife SOS and the Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) seized a leopard skin and arrested five suspects during a coordinated raid in Vansda city of Valsad district.
The operation began after a confidential tip-off revealed that a middleman was arranging the sale of a leopard (Panthera pardus) skin for a wildlife trafficker. Based on the information, teams from Wildlife SOS and GSPCA disguised themselves as buyers and maintained undercover communication with the suspected group.
Officials said the trafficker eventually presented the leopard skin during negotiations, proving it was ready for sale. Undercover teams then alerted the forest department, leading to a joint raid in which five individuals including the main accused were detained.
Early investigations indicate that although the skin was recovered, other parts of the leopard might have already been sold, suggesting the presence of a wider trafficking network.
Raj Bhavsar, Project Coordinator at Wildlife SOS and President of GSPCA, said the operation demanded strategic execution due to its sensitive nature. He added, &ldquo;The trafficker being ready with the leopard skin shows the confidence of such networks. We will continue probing to uncover more links and ensure strict action.&rdquo;
J. D. Rathore, Range Forest Officer of Vansda East, emphasized the importance of relentless vigilance. &ldquo;Our close coordination with Wildlife SOS and GSPCA helped crack this case. We will pursue prosecution against all those involved,&rdquo; he said.
C. R. Patel, Range Forest Officer of Vansda West, noted that the seizure reflects ongoing wildlife trafficking in the area. &ldquo;We remain committed to safeguarding wildlife from such illegal exploitation,&rdquo; he said.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, said the incident highlights the severe threat wildlife faces from illegal trade. &ldquo;Leopard skins, canines and other body parts continue to be targeted to meet illegal demand. Our teams, together with GSPCA and the Forest Department, are focused on dismantling these networks and ensuring wildlife is protected, not traded,&rdquo; he said.
Authorities confirmed that further investigation is underway to trace the origin of the leopard parts and identify additional members of the trafficking chain.

Leopard Skin Seized, Five Held in Gujarat Raid

Wildlife SOS, GSPCA and Forest Dept bust trafficking ring in Valsad’s Vansda city

Leopard Skin Seized, Five Held in Gujarat Raid

Wildlife SOS, GSPCA and Forest Dept bust trafficking ring in Valsad’s Vansda city

November 20, 2025 | 18:43 IST