Local body urges Wildlife Dept to act against rampant killing of animals

 
TURA: The rise in rampant killing of endangered species in some places under West Garo Hills has prompted the All A’chik Youth Federation (AAYF) from Rajabala to write to the District Wildlife Officer and seek the official’s intervention concerning the matter.
 According to the federation, killing of rare animals and birds is taking place in forests surrounding villages like Batabari, Rajabala, Balachanda and Gurban, all of which fall under West Garo Hills District.
 ‘‘Animals and birds are taken out of their natural habitat by people who want to make a quick buck. They are also killed for meat by poachers who sell them in the market. If this goes on, many animals which are already on the endangered species list will cease to exist in the near future,” Sengkam Sangma, the president of the federation said.
 According to Sangma, some of the animals that are being targeted by poachers include elephants, monkeys, deer, squirrel and many rare birds like jungle fowl, storks and cranes.
 Although there is a law prohibiting the killing of endangered species, poaching of the animals continues unabated in many parts of Garo Hills due to the ignorance of the people who are unaware of the consequences.
 The federation urged the Wildlife department to create more awareness on the issue and to make stricter laws against poaching so that stringent punishment can be given to those who violate it.
 “The department needs to intervene in the matter immediately so that our precious wildlife can be saved. We are willing to assist it in any way we can,” it said.