Traps laid, night vision cameras readied
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2018:
While Forest Department has laid traps to catch the unknown predators which have been killing a number of domestic animals at different places across the State, there are reports of people sighting and chasing the mysterious predators.
It is reported that Forest Department has laid traps during night time to capture the predators at some suspected places including Bashikhong, Imphal East.
The two scientists of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) who are currently stationed at Imphal went to Chingmeirong Mamang Leikai today where 12 ducks were killed by the unknown, predators.
The scientists apart from measuring the pugmarks reportedly left by the predators collected samples of the predators' faeces for laboratory test, informed Conservator of Forest (Territorial-I) Th Mohendrapratap.
Meanwhile, the Yenning Foundation has initiated necessary measures to instal night vision cameras at some selected places including Moirangkampu so as to identify the mysterious predators.
One spokesman of the foundation told this reporter that the mysterious creatures have been sighted at Bashikhong, Khurai Chingangbam Leikai, Nambol Oinam, Sagoltongba and Salam.
Descriptions given by those people who have reportedly sighted the mysterious creatures are quite similar.
According to these witnesses, the mysterious creatures have three fingers, coated with little fur and they are capable of skipping long distance.
These creatures are slender and they are about four feet in height.
The mysterious predators killed 12 ducks reared by one Takhellambam Renudhar at Chingmeirong Mamang Leikai last night.
The pugmarks seen beside the dead and ripped ducks were of different sizes indicating that the mysterious predator was not one but many, said the spokesman.
The mysterious killing of domestic animals is becoming widespread although they were initially reported from Churachandpur and Senapati district.
Now such killings have been reported from many places including Bashikhong Kitna Panung, Malom Makha Leikai, Sangaiprou Mamang Leikai, Kakching Khongnang Mari Phangba, Kakching Turel Wangma, Tekcham Mamang Leikai, Yumnam Huidrom, Thiyam Leishangkhong, Wangoi Wahengbam Leikai, Sekmaijin, Chingmeirong, Toubul etc.
At around 7 pm today, some people of Chingmeirong reportedly sighted and chased the mysterious creature.
There three ducks were found killed and their bodies ripped open.
A similar unsuccessful chase was also reported from Nambol.