Poachers target birds in atkosia

India: After prey animals, poachers are targeting rare birds in Satkosia wildlife sanctuary. This came to the fore after the authorities arrested a poacher on Friday for killing seven Asian Openbill Storks. The poacher had put up a snare. Six birds died after falling into the trap, while one sustained injury. The injured bird died despite treatment, forest officers said. The anti-poaching squad caught the poacher from compartment-12 of Tulka reserve forest. Following the incident, several teams were sent to the forest on a combing operation.

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Divisional forest officer (Satkosia) S M T Rahman said young poachers are using snare, net, arrow, glue and poison to kill the birds. "They venture into areas with high concentration of birds and use the technique, which suits best for them," he said. The poachers either sell the meat in the market or consume it themselves. "Since winter has set in, birds will flock to the water bodies in the sanctuary. We have formed a team to keep a watch on the movement of poachers, the DFO said. The arrested poacher confessed that he was a habitual offender, he added. A wildlife officer said openbill storks are resident birds. "The birds become easy prey as they are slow like hens and ducks," said the officer. Similipal Tiger Reserve field director Anup Nayak said wildlife department at times overlooks bird poachers. "Unlike poachers, who carry guns to hunt animals, they hoodwink field staff and sneak into forests. We need an effective surveillance system to track their movement," he said. (Source : Times of India)