Bhubaneswar: As many as 109 animals including 93 deer, six elephants and nine tigers have perished due to illegal poaching in the last three years.
As per a written statement submitted by Forest and Environment Minister Bijayshree Routray, 238 elephants, two tigers, 14 leopards and 390 deer died in the last three years. Poaching is one of many reasons for the deaths of wild animals in the state. Thirty-four wild animals including 29 elephants died due to electrocution. Likewise, 185 animals died due to accidents of which 11, including two tigers, were killed in road mishaps. Three animals died in train accidents.
Diseases claimed the lives 117 wild animals, including 88 jumbos. 95 of these animals died naturally, Routray said. The minister also said that the state government does not know the causes of 104 deaths between 2015-16 and 2017-18.
According to the year-wise data, the highest number of deaths (226) was recorded last year, followed by 212 in 2016-17 and 206 in 2015-16. Despite various steps of the state government for the protection of wild animals, the number of such deaths is increasing every year.
On being enquired about the action taken by government to curb animal poaching, Rourtay said that the government is taking steps for the establishment of special courts for the speedy trials of poaching cases. The government is considering a proposal to give cash award of `50,000 to people who provide information regarding poaching. Name of the informer will not be disclosed, he said.
Besides, the state government is also planning to form a special squad of retired defence personnel under the leadership of the Divisional Forest Officer concerned, the minister added.
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