WII scientists, Forest officials begin probe
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2018:
A team of forensic experts from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) will land here tomorrow to investigate the mysterious killing of domestic animals and fowls in the State.
Meanwhile, two scientists of WII who are already stationed here carried out a spot inspection at Ningomthong Kitna Panung, Imphal East along Imphal River bank today along with officials of Forest Department.
Speaking on the sidelines of the spot inspection, Forest and Environment Minister Th Shyamkumar has appealed all not to spread rumours and fabricated information on social media in connection with the mysterious killings of domestic animals and poultry birds.
He also conveyed that Forest Department along with an expert team, including forensic scientists from Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun will make thorough investigations into the killing of poultry birds and domestic animals at various locations of the State to establish the identity of the predator/s as and when the full team of WII team arrives here.
Shyamkumar stated there is likelihood of small carnivorous animals from mountains coming down to the valley areas and they may be taking shelter in paddy fields and bushes along Imphal River.
The suspected small carnivorous animals might have started attacking domestic animals and poultry birds when paddy fields are cleared after harvesting.
The Minister also said that the Forest and Wildlife teams are doing their job in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Forest Act and the department will take up every necessary action.
Saying that there are rules and guidelines as per the Forest Act, he appealed the locals and public not to burn bushes in the name of hunting the predators.
Such acts will affect all living creatures around the area and the whole ecological system, he added.
He also stated that the spot inspection was carried out by WII scientists and officials of Forest Department on receiving information that a dog like creature entered the residence of one Mutum Inakhunbi at Ningomthong Kitna Panung yesterday.
Notably, it was at Ningomthong Kitna Panung that 35 ducks were mauled by a mysterious predator a few days back.
Conservator of Forests, Central Circle Th Mohendra Pratap Singh who also took part in the spot inspection said that traps have been laid at various locations to catch the predator.
He also appealed all not to be panicky while pointing out that the suspected animal is attacking only small domestic livestock as of now.
Dr M Vikramjit Sharma and Dr N Sharmila from the WII, Dehradun said that they cannot yet come to any conclusion as the investigation has just begun.
They also sought public support to solve the mystery at the earliest while appealing all not to indulge in burning of forests and killing animals in search of the predators.
The spot inspection was also participated by K Angami, PCCF and HoFF, DJN Anand, PCCF (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Anurag Bajpai, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), RK Amarjit Singh, DFO, Central Forest Division among others.