By Our Correspondent
Chirang(Assam), Dec 20: In a shocking incident of wildlife crime, a critically endangered Bengal Florican was allegedly poached and consumed in Khungring Forest Village of Chirang district in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area. The gruesome act has sparked widespread outrage among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts, with calls for strict action against the perpetrators.
The Bengal Florican, a majestic bird species with fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild, is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is accorded the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The alleged poaching has raised concerns about the effectiveness of conservation efforts and the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
According to sources, the bird killed was a subadult male Bengal Florican, and visuals of the act have been circulating on social media and WhatsApp groups, triggering a wave of condemnation. “The incident is highly unfortunate, illegal, and reprehensible. We demand a thorough investigation and strict punishment for those involved,” said an environmentalist.
The presence of the Bengal Florican in the Manas Landscape has been a source of pride for the Bodoland region, with multiple stakeholders working together to ensure the species’ long-term survival. The alleged poaching has sent shockwaves through the conservation community, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect this iconic species.
