Floods are boon for poachers in Asom

Guwahati, June 14 (UNI) Annual floods in Asom have become a hazard to protected wildlife in more ways than one.

As the animals are forced to flee from their submerged habitats towards national habitats, poaching becomes a matter of concern for forest officials.

Kaziranga National Park (KNP) forest official said when the interior areas remain submerged, forest camps are also shifted to the highways to provide protection to the animals who move in that direction.

He said in the last four days, seven poachers have been arrested from Agaratali forest in the KNP.

While two poachers were nabbed by locals on June 10, five others were arrested on the basis of their description, he said.

A rifle and 17 rounds of ammunition were also recovered from them.

The official said one of the arrested, Gopal Patgiri, has admitted involvement in the killing of four rhinos in the reserve forest earlier.

UNI SG KK HS DS1606