Poachers keep forest officials on their toes

With steady increase in clientele, gangs have started operating in many parts of State

An average guar (Indian bison) weighs around 1,500 kg and the game meat has a lucrative inter-State market. Since the consumer demand is always high, a single hunting trip can easily fetch anything from ₹10 lakh.

While a sambar deer requires much less time and effort, monitor lizards guarantee most exorbitant rates. Apart from restaurants and bars, there has been a steady increase in the urban clientele and poaching gangs, which include trained hunters, have started operating in many parts of the State. Along with a range of small mammals, maximum meat yielding species such as gaurs and sambars are targeted for game cuisine.

According to officials, the rackets operate out of the vast estates bordering forests. “Ungulates often stray outside deep forest and it’s easy for poachers to identify their regular grazing grounds. With some local support they stay in abandoned buildings and conduct lightning-fast operations. An experienced gang can easily pull off an operation within five to six hours,” says an official.