Former poachers turn over a new leaf

Non-profit’s initiative trains them in alternative livelihood skills to wean them away from the risky practice

For years, Manikandan and Vijayakumar killed migratory birds visiting the lakes in the city’s suburbs and neighbouring areas by shooting them, twisting their necks or poisoning them, to make a quick buck.

Located near Villianur, Koodapakkam, a sleepy hamlet, served as a hub for the sale of bushmeat.

Members of the Narikurava tribe took to poaching birds and small mammals in lakes, and sold the bushmeat to their clients, including restaurants in the suburbs.

Though the Forest Department conducted frequent raids, seized the carcasses and imposed fines, the biggest difficulty was in weaning the youth away from poaching.

But all that is set to change, with erstwhile poachers shifting their focus to alternative livelihood skills, thanks to an initiative funded by the Indigenous Biodiversity Foundation (IBF), a non-profit organisation.

The initiative has resulted in seven poachers giving up their old habits and helping with efforts to support bird species, including making customised nest boxes and working to conserve the rich biodiversity of the region.

“I was hooked to poaching due to the absence of employment opportunities. However, poaching was fraught with serious risks, which made me live with a constant fear of being arrested at any time. .” Manikandan says.