Itanagar, Jan 2: Following the total restriction on trespassing, hunting and poaching at the Dying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary (DEWS) imposed by the authorities, some hunters are reportedly hunting not by gun any more but by poisoning the birds.
During their recent visit to the Sanctuary in East Siang district, a couple of Ruddy Shelduck on the bank of River Siang within the premises of the Sanctuary was found in critical condition and one of them was found dead, sources said here on Wednesday.
When asked, the DEWS authorities didn’t deny any possibility of poisoning.
After being apprised of the situation, the DFO has ordered an enquiry into the demise of Ruddy Shelduck, which if proved true, will be a huge threat to the large population of birds here, most of which are migratory.
The detailed enquiry will lead to a logical conclusion to the poisoning. Bird flu case may also not be ruled out at this time, informed the sources. The concerned Range Officer has been asked for making thorough enquiry, said the DFO.
At this juncture, the authorities at DEWS need to be more alert as the recent ‘revival’ of the Sanctuary has yielded good results due to which more migratory birds are flying in this winter.
Ruddy Shelduck are one of the seasonal birds which come to this Sanctuary during the onset of winter and goes back to the mountains and Chinese side during hatching period, sources added.
