Wildlife meat seized
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2023:
Forest officials seized a head, hooves and skin of a female kharsa (hog deer) suspected to have been killed by hunters for meat along with eight traps from Jawa Lamjao situated on the eastern portion of Loktak Lake, today.
The body parts and traps were found during a drive jointly taken out by the staff of Bishnupur Forest Division and volunteers of Wildlife Explorers Manipur, Green Brigade Manipur, Global Science Club, Khoijuman and Rising Club Ngaikhong Khullen under the supervision of District Wildlife Warden Dr Rebika Soibam Chanu.
According to people who has have fish farms in the area, instances of hunters slaughtering wild animals in the area have increased manifold since the past few months.
Saying that they didn't report to the authorities as the hunters are armed and don't know to whom a complaint must be lodged, they maintained that they will extend all possible help if the Government takes up initiatives to protect wildlife.
Reportedly, the Forest Department has started counting the number of kharsas at Jawa Lamjao and is planning to develop a community reserve for the hog deer.
Kharsa is enlisted under Schedule -I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 .