Nagpur: On the heels of 10 poisoned blackbucks in the city of Jalgaon Jamod Buldhana district, 18 birds – seven peacocks, six peacocks, three lapwing and two sparrows – died from poisoning Barshitakli range under Akola forestry division.
The peacock, the national bird of India, is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (WPA) and contains the same articles and punishments that are imposed for poaching of tigers and leopards. The birds were found dead on Sunday morning, but forestry officials kept the case a secret for more than 24 hours.
“This may possibly be due to the subsequent poisoning incidents. On May 15, 10 blackbucks, including two pregnant females, were poisoned in Taroda Forest under Buldhana Forestry Division, ”Akola environmental activist Sheikh Mohammed Sheikh Makbul said.
Deputy Forest Conservator (DyCF) Arjuna KR has confirmed that 18 birds were found dead in Barshitakli Forest after feeding on poisoned wheat kernels. The birds were found dead on a dry lake bed surrounded by forest on all sides.
“A post mortem report also confirmed that the birds died due to poisoning. No arrests have been made so far and we are looking for the culprits, who may be habitual offenders, ”Arjuna said.
RFO SB Dange said: “We will catch the culprits soon. A preliminary offense report (POR) was recorded against unidentified men. This is the first such incident that has come to light. ”