The arrest of five hunters from the Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary on Friday throws the spotlight once again on the rampant hunting of wildlife going on in the vulnerable forests of Arunachal Pradesh. DEMWS is a state treasure; however the management has been struggling to provide safety in what is a haven for wildlife. Just days ago, forest officials at Banderdewa near the state capital also seized huge amount of wildlife meat and products. Reportedly there is an increase in smuggling of wildlife meat into the capital complex every year during the festive season especially New Year’s eve.

 

Sadly, a handful of dedicated forest officials without the wherewithal seem to be fighting a losing battle to contain the plunder of the state’s rich biodiversity.

 

Being a tribal state, the people of this region have depended on the forests for their livelihood since time immemorial and have great reverence towards forests and what they have to offer. But lately the balance has tilted alarmingly.

 

Two factors are largely responsible for the dwindling wildlife of the state; the loss of natural habitat and two, the rampant hunting taking place. In the past, wildlife was a source of sustenance but now hunting has taken the form of a serious problem due to its commercialization. Wildlife is hunted indiscriminately for the markets thus putting them under tremendous strain. From endangered birds, squirrels etc, even the mithun which has a special place in indigenous society are being killed for commercial purposes.

Non-implementation of stringent laws in protecting wildlife has further emboldened offenders.

It is sad to see wildlife meat sold openly in the markets even across the state capital. If people indulging in this trade need to be damned, it is also a fact that this business cannot flourish without consumers.

If this has to end, offenders including buyers with a taste for the ‘exotic’ must be held equally guilty.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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