“The exact reason will be known only after autopsy of the birds,” said Range officer, Tangi, Ashok Das.
It was the first poaching case in the lake after the migratory birds began thronging the lake this winter.
In the last winter, Tangi range had registered 16 bird poaching cases and arrested 33 poachers from whom over 100 dead birds were seized, another forest official said.
The bird poachers get very active in the lake around the time when the winged guests start to descend in the Chilka, as the demand of the meat of waterfowls increases in the nearby towns, sources added.
Patrolling was intensified in and around the lake after the first poaching case was reported.
“We have set up 18 temporary camps and engaged over 100 persons including wildlife personnel to check bird poaching in the lake,” the DFO said.
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:leaderregister.com)
