Dhenkanal: Forest officials found a carcass of a migratory bird near the nesting site of Olive Ridley turtles on the Brahmani riverbank between Budhibili and Bhairpur villages here Wednesday.
The carcass was found when forest officials of Sarangi range and members of Award voluntary outfit were conducting a joint patrol in the area in the morning. Preliminary inquiries suggested that the bird might have died after consuming poison-laced paddy as toxic crops were found strewn all over the area near the carcass. Forest officials termed the development as the handiwork of poachers. Deputy ranger Chandramani Behera expressed concern over rampant killing of migratory birds on the Brahmani river banks.
The deputy ranger said such incidents of poaching might affect the visit of the migratory birds to the riverbank in coming years during winter.
Every year, thousands of migratory birds of various species visit the riverbank during winter in order to escape the harsh climate back home in Russia when temperatures plunge to way below freezing point.
They stay there through the winter and resume their homeward journey after the arrival of summer arrives, said Debanarayan Sahu, an Award member.
This year, over eight species of migratory birds visited the turtle nesting site of the river, another member Dillip Biswal said.
Forest officials said over 1,000 migratory birds have visited the area so far.
They claimed poachers are killing the birds by luring them with poison-laced crops spread across the riverbed.
When contacted, Pradipta Kumar Sahoo, divisional forest officer, said further steps will be taken after discussing with Sarangi range forest officials. PNN
