Modus operandi of poachers: Electric traps, coded signals
HYDERABAD: Poachers operating along forest fringes are using crude traps, electric snares and coordinated hunting methods to target wildlife, Telangana forest officials said.
Power lines near agricultural fields have emerged as a major tool in recent incidents, officials said, following the death of a beat officer while chasing poachers.
According to the department’s assessment, poachers generally operate in the early morning, particularly between 04.00 and 05.00 IST, when movement of forest staff is limited.
They select locations near water bodies, streams and nalas frequented by animals. They also look for areas close to electricity lines where illegal snares can be set up.
“Earlier, poaching and hunting was through traditional means, which included snares and traps. Now it has become very easy and cheap because illegal electrical lines are available in and around forest areas,” said Siddharth Vikram Singh, district forest officer.
Poachers use live wires to create concealed traps
Officials said poachers fix metal or clutch wires to pegs driven into the ground to create concealed electric traps. Animals moving through the area can come into contact with the live wire and get electrocuted.
“They use signals, animal sounds, torchlights and code words to coordinate their activities,” Singh said.
“We do not have any equipment and machines through which we can detect such illegal electrical connections,” he added.
Officials said the demand for sambar deer, chousingha (four-horned antelope) and wild boar was among the factors driving hunting.
Department seeks action against those facilitating hunting
Officials said stricter measures were needed to curb poaching and that they had recommended action against people allegedly facilitating such activities.
In some cases, the department has suggested reviewing forest rights granted to individuals or families if hunting takes place on their land.
