Ziro, Dec 17: A surprise raid by the Hapoli Forest Range patrolling team in the market area of Hapoli township which led to the confiscation of dead carcasses of wild animal and birds declared as Schedule species under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 has shown that wildlife crime and hunting have reached the peak in Lower Subansiri district with onset of winter.
According to a release issued by the office of the DFO Ziro Division, the patrolling team led by Range Forest Officer Oyang Dusu on December 14 last while on duty noticed a vehicle unloading a bag at the market area. Finding the activity suspicious, the team tried to intercept the vehicle but failed and its number couldn’t be noted either. When opened, the bag was found to be containing the carcasses of 2 Red Giant Flying Squirrels (Petaurista petaurista) and 3 Khalij Pheasants (Lophura leucomelanos), both Schedule I species and 5 Mountain Imperial Pigeons (Ducula badia), a Schedule IV species under the WPA. An offence report has been registered under relevant sections of the act and investigation is on to identify the vehicle and person(s) engaged in the illegal activity.
With the onset of winter when migratory birds and animals descend to low-altitude areas and with an increase in demand of wild meat during festive season, wildlife crime and hunting have also increased simultaneously. To counter the trend, Hapoli Forest Division has intensified its patrolling in forests, market areas and identified hotspots of wildlife trade. The Lower Subansiri District Administration has also issued a notification dated August 15, 2020 bringing airguns with bore diameter exceeding 0.177 within the ambit of licensing norms as per Arms Rules 2016. 
It is relevant to mention that the picturesque Ziro Valley annually attracts a large number of migratory birds and it’s a phenomenon since time immemorial. The Black Necked Crane (Grus nigricollis) which was once a regular visitor to the valley is now a matter of history due to gradual destruction of wildlife habitats and unchecked hunting. 
However, efforts are on to increase wildlife population and species diversity in the valley through restoration of habitats. DFO Ziro PR 

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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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