Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on high alert due to potential poaching
Following a warning from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) regarding potential poacher encroachment in 11 tiger reserves throughout the nation, including the Pilibhit and Amangarh Tiger Reserves in Uttar Pradesh, field patrols has been enhanced in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR).
The WCCB’s action, according to Sudhir Kumar Sharma, principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) of Uttar Pradesh and chief wildlife warden of the state, was based on intelligence inputs from their sources.
All routes that travel through the reserve are now the subject of a thorough search and vehicle inspection operation by the authorities.
They have also ordered the identification of vulnerable sites inside the reserves and have stepped up security in selected locations.
People who live close to bus stops, public shelter camps, temples, and derelict buildings are being screened. Police officers have been asked to help forest rangers identify people, particularly nomads, and carry out seizure operations when needed.
According to PTR’s divisional forest officer (DFO), “The monsoon season is important for safety and security. Because of the waterlogging, ordinary field patrols is difficult at this time, which poachers and other wildlife criminals may take advantage of.
“The wildlife offenders previously subjected to punitive action are under surveillance, and the locals known as ‘Bagh Mitra’ living in villages within the eco-sensitive zone of the reserve have been instructed to keep a watchful eye on such individuals,” he said. They are urged to notify the PTR authorities right once if they learn anything questionable. Protection measures are being taken, such as 24-hour vehicle inspections.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) stated that 117 tigers had died in the previous year, with 10 of those occurrences involving the seizure of a tiger’s carcass.
