Bhubaneswar: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Prem Kumar Jha, has issued a stern warning against the growing trend of uploading videos of wild animals on social media to gain views.

Jha said species like turtles, wild boars, and snakes fall under Schedule I and II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Any form of harassment or disturbance caused to these animals—whether for entertainment or content creation—is considered a punishable offence under the law.

"People must not harass wild animals for the sake of social media popularity. Uploading such videos is a legal violation, and strict action has been initiated against such offenders," said the PCCF.

He further appealed to the public to refrain from engaging in such content.

Notably, a YouTuber from Odisha’s Bargarh district has landed in controversy after allegedly painting an image of Lord Jagannath on the shell of a turtle and sharing the video as a reel on his Facebook account. The act has triggered outrage among wildlife activists, who claim it violates the Wildlife Protection Act.

According to a complaint filed by Subhendu Mallik, General Secretary of Snake Helpline, the video shows an Indian Flapshell Turtle (a Schedule I protected species) with a painted image of Lord Jagannath on its back. The turtle is later seen being released into water. The video has since gone viral, prompting public backlash and condemnation from animal lovers.

Mallik has submitted a formal complaint to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha, urging swift action against the YouTuber. He has also demanded that the viral video be immediately taken down and that the accused be identified and punished as per the law.

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, any harm or misuse of Schedule I species—such as the Indian Flapshell Turtle—is a serious offence, punishable by up to seven years in prison, a fine of ₹1 lakh, or both.