Following a tip-off, staff of the DFO Thoubal Forest Division, along with People For Animal, carried out a drive against wildlife hunting and poaching of birds in and around Thoubal Khsetri Leikai on Tuesday morning. During the drive, two air guns were seized and six dead Spotted Doves (Schedule II species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972) were recovered.
The poachers involved fled the spot immediately on seeing the drive, leaving behind the air guns. According to forest officials, a case has been filed under the Wildlife Protection Act. The drive was part of the ongoing efforts by the Thoubal Forest Department to curb wildlife hunting and protect local bird populations.
The drive was carried out under the supervision of Dr. Leishangthem Jeeceelee, DFO, Thoubal Forest Division, with Thoubal Range staff along with People For Animal, Thoubal, and was led by Dineschandra Salam, Range Officer, Thoubal Forest Division.
It may be mentioned here that Spotted Doves are birds protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and hunting them can lead to penalties.
