Forests in Odisha under threat as 14 Tigers killed by poachers in 3 years

The alarming rise in wildlife poaching in Odisha has become a serious concern, with as many as 14 tigers falling victim to illegal hunting in the past three years. 

Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia on Tuesday revealed this shocking statistic in the Odisha Assembly, shedding light on the growing menace of wildlife crime.

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Disturbing Poaching Statistics

According to Minister Singhkhuntia, among the 14 tigers poached, two were of Royal Bengal species, while the remaining 12 were Leopards. These figures highlight the pressing need for stronger conservation efforts and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.

Seizures of Animal Skins

Apart from the tiger poaching incidents, authorities have also confiscated six Royal Bengal tiger skins and 63 Leopard skins, indicating the widespread reach of poaching networks operating within Odisha. The illegal wildlife trade continues to pose a major threat to Odisha’s rich biodiversity.

Elephant Deaths in Dhenkanal Forest Division

The Minister further disclosed that 41 elephants have died in the Dhenkanal forest range over the last few years, raising concerns over both poaching and other environmental factors affecting the elephant population.

Urgent Need for Action

With these startling revelations, the Odisha government faces growing pressure to intensify anti-poaching measures, deploy stricter surveillance, and strengthen the protection of endangered species in the state. Conservationists and environmental activists are urging authorities to take immediate steps to curb illegal hunting and protect Odisha’s wildlife before it’s too late.