BAJHANG, Feb 10: With the onset of snowfall in the mountainous regions, there has been an increase in the incidents of poaching of wild animals that wander to human settlements in search of warmth. Wild animals including Himalayan tahr, deer, antelopes, lophophorus, kalij pheasant, tigers, and bears that come close to human habitats during winter are being openly hunted.
Extensive poaching activities are currently underway in the areas of Suil Mayana, Pugar, Kailash, Naura, Waril, Kotdewal, Mashta, Sunikot Dhamena, Dantola, Kada, Dahbagar, Bhamchaur, Surma, Daulichaur, and other regions within Jayaprithvi Municipality of the district. Similarly, the meat of these poached animals is being sold at inflated prices in Chainpur, the district headquarters.
Locals report that poachers use guns, traps, and nets to hunt these animals. They claim that since the meat of the wild animals does not fetch a good price in the locality, it is transported to the district headquarters for sale. The market rates for these animals are quite high, with kalij pheasant fetching up to Rs 1,500 per kg, lophophorus Rs 2,000 per kg, deer Rs 600 per kg, and Himalayan tahr up to Rs 1,000 per kg. Moreover, dried meat of various animals is sold for Rs 4,000 per kg.
While poachers profit by selling wild animals’ meat, the forest office, police, and administration have been criticized for their passive stance. However, Bharat Prasad Bhatta, head of the Division Forest Office, claims that efforts are being made to combat poaching. Bhatta mentioned that surveillance is maintained in accessible areas and that coordination is ongoing with the police, village administration, and chairpersons of various forests.
Despite acknowledging reports of poaching, Bhatta mentions challenges in enforcement due to the shortage of manpower. "We have eight posts of forest officers, but currently there are only two officers. Similarly, we are operating with only 18 forest guards out of a total of 24 positions," he said.