Blackbucks Shot Dead By Poachers In Chikkamagaluru

BENGALURU: Carcasses of 3 blackbucks were discovered in a field in Hirenallur, a village attached to Basur Kaval Blackbuck Conservation Reserve in Kadur taluk of Chikkamagaluru by the forest officials on Tuesday morning and upon examination of the carcasses forest officials came across bullet shots leading to their deaths. Preliminary investigations by forest officials suspect the poaching of 3 blackbucks to an organized racket running to supply blackbuck meat for consumption.

Among the 3 blackbucks shot dead include two doe and were about 1.5 years to 2 years. However, the poachers abandoned their kill and fled from the spot. Forest officials suspect the poachers might have sensed some trouble and left behind the carcasses.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Ramesh Babu told Deccan Chronicle “It looks like an organised poachers gang involved in the poaching of blackbucks” and stated “Villagers hold blackbucks in high reverence and often tolerate blackbucks raiding their crops.” Expressing shock over the poaching of 3 blackbucks, the DCF said “This is the first instance of poaching outside the Conservation Reserve. Watchers keep round the clock vigil over the Reserve.”

Immediately after discovery of carcasses in the field, sniffer dogs were pressed into action to gather details and track the accused persons and investigations are underway to nab the accused persons.

A Chikkamagaluru based wildlife activist, on condition of anonymity, sought a high-level inquiry into the poaching of blackbucks in Kadur and wanted Minister of Forests and Environment Eshwar Khandre to nab the accused involved in the poaching of blackbucks at the earliest.

The activist wanted the Minister of Forest to bring personnel of Anti-Poaching Camp (APC) of Basur Conservation Reserve under the investigation ambit since 3 blackbucks have been shot dead close to the conservation reserve.