Foresters Step Up Vigil in NSTR After Finding Jaw-Trap
The authorities are gathering intelligence and trying to identify the source of the device and the manufacturer
Vijayawada: The foresters in Andhra Pradesh have stepped up the vigil in Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve to curb poaching of wild animals.
They recently detected a jaw-trap aimed to trap herbivores at the Nagaluty range in Atmakur forest division in NSTR. They noticed this just before any carnivore could get trapped, and removed it.
Following this, the foresters have intensified their anti-snare drive covering the entire stretch of NSTR as a precautionary measure. Except for the one that was detected and removed, no such trap has been found so far.
Project Tiger deputy director of Atmakur division Vignesh Appavu said, “This is a serious crime. We found the jaw-trap just in time and removed it. We are taking up an intensive anti-snare operation and using all possible means to zero in on the culprits.”
Based on a preliminary inquiry, the foresters feel that there could be involvement of locals-- given the modus operandi of such an illegal act. The foresters roped in a dog squad to check whether any more such traps were placed.
The authorities are gathering intelligence and trying to identify the source of the device and the manufacturer.
A senior forest official said, “This is a new sign in NSTR. We have not found such a practice of arranging a jaw-trap in the past. We are looking out for the culprits, be they locals or outsiders. We are taking up an anti-snare drive, but, except for one, so far no such trap has been found.”
The foresters are taking up the anti-snare drive during the morning and evening and patrolling at night in the NSTR.
They say that unlike the setting up of snares aimed at herbivores, the culprits placed jaw-trap with an intention to trap carnivores only.
