Three poachers arrested for killing Indian bison

Baripada, Apr 05 (UNI) Altogether three poachers were arrested and produced before a local court at Udala, near here, yesterday for killing a Gaur (Indian Bison).

The Bison had strayed from Hadgarh wildlife sanctuary and entered into the Patchua nullah bank near Siriapal village under Kaptipada forest range limits.

The poachers hailed from Dhhapada village under Padupokhari gram Panchayat of Mayurbhanj district.

The forest officials seized some quantities of bison meat, two ears of the animal and bows and arrows from their possession, Kaptipada range Officer Ashoke Kumar Biswal said.

The Indian bison is a gravely threatened species, which had been placed in schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, forest officials said.

Sources said the arrested poachers would be prosecuted under Section 9 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act that Prohibits hunting of wild animals.

UNI