Keonjhar: At least two trap cameras were found missing from forests under Patana range of Odisha’s Keonjhar district on Friday. The cameras were installed in various parts of the forest to monitor movement of wild animals, particularly Royal Bengal Tigers.
Following the incident, the safety factor for the big cats in the region has become a cause of concern for the wildlife authorities.
Sources said at least two cameras were suspected to have been stolen. As many as 10 such cameras had been installed in different parts of the forest range. Notably, Patna range and some other areas of the mineral-rich district are home to wildlife including tigers.
After two cameras were found missing, Patana ranger lodged an FIR in this regard at the local police station.
Some officials of the forest department and wildlife activists have expressed grave concern over the missing of the cameras. It is suspected to be a handiwork of poachers. The forest department has taken stock of the situation at the site,
It is alleged that possible poaching activities can’t be ruled out in the area until new cameras are installed to monitor activities of the wildlife and poachers.
Assistant Conservator of Forests(Keonjhar), Ghanashyam Mohanty voiced concern over it and confirmed about the missing cameras. The authorities are looking into the matter while a complaint has been lodged at the police station, he added.
