Poacher Arrested, 13 Bird Carcasses Seized In Odisha

Berhampur: A poacher was arrested from Chilika lake on Wednesday for allegedly killing as many as 13 migratory birds in the prohibitory waters of the brackish lagoon.

The accused, identified as Parameswar Pradhan, was arrested from Abhimanpur under Tangi Wildlife Range when he was transporting the carcasses of the Northern Pintails in a motorcycle, DFO, Chilika wildlife division, Alok Ranjan Hota said.

Apart from the bird carcasses, a two-wheeler was also seized from his possession.

With this, wildlife personnel have registered three cases in connection with incidents of illegal hunting of wildlife in less than a month. As many as four poachers, including two fishermen, have been arrested during the period, the officials said.

Birds, mostly from northern Eurasia, Caspian region, Siberia, Kazakh, Lake Baikal and remote areas of Russia, visit Chilika every winter.

Over two lakh birds have already migrated to the lake this year, the DFO said adding that in view of the huge footfall of the winged guests, patrolling has been intensified in the lake to deter poaching activity.

At least 19 anti-poaching camps have been set up in Chilika lake area. In addition, two mobile camps are also operating in the area, he said.