TV
With the deaths of leopards and elephants being reported from different parts of Odisha, the Forest Department has got its act together to save the lives of these wild animals.
While addressing a presser, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha said a joint effort will soon be launched to protect the lives of wild animals.
Regarding the disturbing case of a big cat found beheaded at Khandapada in Nayagarh, he said the animal came in contact with live wire, originally laid out to kill boars. He also said that two persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the wildlife crime.
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“In Nayagarh division, the leopard died after coming in contact with the live wire laid out for wild boars. In this connection, two persons have been arrested and one of them has already confessed to the crime,” said Jha.
Speaking about the leopard carcass recovered from Rengali Dam, he said preliminary findings showed no external injuries and the cause of the death can only be ascertained after the post-mortem report is available.
“The carcass of the leopard recovered from Rengali Dam didn’t have any bullet wound or any other injury marks. We are still not clear as to what caused its death. Only the post-mortem report can shed light on the causes of its unnatural death,” he added.
He also informed that a Joint Task Force (JTF) has been deployed from the PCCF office is assisting in the investigations of both incidents.
“We are going to take a slew of measures to check such cases,” he said.
He also informed that an action plan has been prepared to curb elephant deaths.
A comprehensive action plan aimed at checking elephant deaths within the state has been prepared and will be presented before the High Court on the fixed date, informed Jha.
