Bison killed in Jaldapara, 2 arrested

Jaldapara National Park

TT, Alipurduar: Forest officials of Jaldapara National Park recovered the carcass of a poached bison on Sunday morning and they suspect that the animal was killed by poachers on Saturday night.

The foresters claim that on Saturday night a fire broke in the 10 hectare area of JP-I compartment of Jaldapara North Range and about 30 forest officials were engaged to douse the flames. On Sunday morning, the carcass of the gaur was also recovered from the same area of the park.

The officials suspect that the poachers killed the gaur and took away all his legs.

Foresters feel that the fire was also caused by the poachers to divert their attention.

However, it is yet to be confirmed how did the bison died, sources informed.

This suspected change in style of operation of the poachers has deeply worried the foresters. "Earlier, the poachers used to hire expert shooters from other states to poach animals or use Potassium Cyanide to kill rhino or elephant. But now, they are setting grassland on fire for poaching," said a forest source.

Two suspected poachers have been arrested in connection with the case. Both hails from Subhashini Tea Estate.

Section of a forest officials claim that after the recent incidents of poaching, patrolling in Jaldapara has been intensified.

Kumar Vimal, divisonal forest officer of Jaldapara wildlife division, said: "Fire broke out in the JP-I compartment on Saturday night and foresters spotted the carcass of the gaur on Sunday morning. All the limbs of the animal were missing. We have arrested two persons in this case and will nab others also."