Kendrapada: The forest officials have been directed to remain on high alert and keep a strict vigil on poaching during the holiday season in Bhitarkanika National Park and its neighbouring areas under Kendrapada district of Odisha.
According to sources, the poaching of wild boars, spotted deer and migratory birds is particularly high in the National Park during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“The venison of deer and wild boars is high in demand during the holiday season for which the security within and near the park has been beefed up. Forest personnel have been asked to be extra vigilant and night patrolling has been intensified,” Range Officer Manas Das told media.
A large number of migratory birds have already arrived in the mangrove forests, wetlands, and other water bodies of Bhitarkanika and its nearby areas.
Awareness camps have been organised in many villages to convince the locals to protect the migratory birds and hotels and dhabas warned not to purchase bird meat from anyone.
Poachers often trap wild boars and deer by spreading nylon nets and live wires in the mangrove forest and its nearby areas. Some poachers also use trained dogs to kill the animals, the sources said.
Notably, more than 400 poachers were arrested in the past two decades on the charge of killing spotted deer, wild boars, birds and crocodiles. Despite the high incidents of animal poaching, conviction rates continue to be very low. Two persons were convicted of killing birds three years back while around 70 such cases are still pending.
