NAGPUR: Three tribals were held for poaching a flying squirrel in Chichgarh range under Gondia forest division. A live monitor lizard was also seized from them.
The incident occurred at in Wadekasa round. This is perhaps the first time that an incident a case of poaching of flying squirrel has come to light. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and has the highest level of protection, like tigers. Their numbers are not known but wildlife experts say the species is found in Navegaon, forests areas of Gondia, Nagzira, Melghat and Pench in the region.
Deputy conservator of forests (DyCF) JitendraRamgaonkar confirmed that three persons were caught held by forest guard Gahane. "We produced the accused in court and they have been remanded to forest custody," he added.
The accused tried to mislead foresters by saying that the flying squirrel was mauled by a dog. However, the accused had killed the mammal with a sling shot.
