The issue of tiger poaching in the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has prompted the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WLCC) to issue a red alert and call for increased vigilance across all tiger reserves in the state. The WLCC has alerted field directors and officials in an effort to combat the threat posed by professional hunting gangs operating in the region.
This warning comes after a recent incident where hunters killed a tiger in the core area of the Satpura Tiger Reserve and made off with its head. The WLCC believes that the presence of these hunting gangs is not limited to Satpura, but extends to other tiger reserves such as Tadoba, Pench, Carbett, Amangarh, Pilibhit, Valmiki, Rajaji, as well as tiger-bearing areas like Balaghat, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur.
To address this issue, the WLCC has instructed field directors and officials to intensify patrols and visit sensitive areas. They are urged to be on the lookout for nomadic individuals in tents, temples, railway and bus stations, abandoned buildings, and public shelter places. If any suspicious activity is observed, officials are instructed to inform the relevant police stations.
This alert comes in the wake of the discovery of a highly decomposed tiger body, from which the poachers had removed the head and private parts. There are concerns that the stolen body parts may be used for black magic rituals. The accused poachers remain at large.
Efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect endangered species like tigers require the collective effort of authorities, officials, and the general public. Increased vigilance and action from officials, along with the cooperation of local communities, will be essential in curbing tiger poaching and ensuring the survival of these majestic creatures.
The WLCC’s red alert serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address wildlife crime and protect precious wildlife. By staying vigilant and actively working to prevent poaching, we can help preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our natural world for generations to come.