In the last five months, two reports of bustard poaching have already appeared. However, another bird died recently due to a wound, which baffled the forest department officials as to how it was wounded.

The incident came to light when a wounded bird was found at Ramdevra protected area on May 2.

“We found the bird near Nazri ka Tanka close to the protected area. The bird had difficulty in walking as it had sustained a severe wound on its leg,” said Govind Sagar Bhardwaj, chief conservator of forests (CCF), Jaisalmer.

He added, “We took it to our hospital for treatment. The bird was in shock and its wounds were treated by qualified veterinary doctors.”

However, despite providing treatment, the bird died four days later, on May 6.

“The bird was injured 10 days ago before our discovery of the injury. Although the bird was given proper treatment, it died,” the CCF said.

Interestingly, the officials are still unable to ascertain as to how the bird was injured.

“The wound looked as if made by a sharp object and ran deep into the flesh. It would not have been made unless a sharp object is used. It could be made by dogs also but nothing can be said for certain,” he said.

The forest department and local police have not even concluded investigation of GIB poaching that happened on December 20, last year. Another similar incident took place in March as another GIB was poached. Both the incidents occurred in Suadasri area have now raised questions about the forest department’s resolve to saving the endangered animals of the state.