Unabated deer poaching in the Sundarbans

Kaikhali forest officials recovered two slaughtered dear from a boat on the Mathabanga canal recently. PHOTO: STAR

A large number of spotted deer were killed in the last two months, sources said.

On December 11, a team of officials from Kobadak Forest Station recovered a slaughtered deer from a boat in Palkati area of the forest.

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On December 10, local people caught two alleged deer poachers --Samir Gazi and Shahbaz-- from Parshemari ferry terminal area in Shyamnagar along with three slaughtered deer. They were handed over to Forest Officer Md Delwar Hossain Forest Guard Milon.

Local people later alleged that the forest officials released the poachers along with their prey after taking bribe. The incident created resentment in the area.

On December 4, a team from Kaikhali Forest Station in a raid recovered two slaughtered deer from a boat on Mathabhanga canal in the Sundarbans. Sensing presence of forest officials, the poachers escaped.

On November 21, officials from Kaikhali Forest Office recovered 36 kilograms of deer meat from a shrimp enclosure owned by one Arshad Ali.

On November 23, one BM Harun of Datinakhali village in Shya-mnagar upazila recovered two slaughtered deer from one Barik Kayal of the area but no case was recorded.

On November 1, Gabura Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Shafiul Azam Lenin recovered two slaughtered deer from poachers Abdul Mozid and Rouf. They were handed over to Burigoalini Forest Office officials but no action was taken against them, it was alleged.

Allegations have it that a section of leaders and activists of political parties and local government bodies in connivance with some corrupt forest officials and staff are poaching deer in the Sundarbans.

Witnesses seeking anonymity claimed that the poachers go to the Sundarbans by taking permission from forest officials as visitors.

About two years back, a local UP Chairman along with 10 people , most of them local government officials, went to Kakratala area in the Sundarbans boarding three trawlers.

They stayed there for three days and killed 12 deer, local people claimed.

On return home, the UP Chairman arranged a function and entertained guests, reportedly with venison (deer meat).

Local people said entertaining guests with venison is considered prestigious in areas near the Sundarbans.

The unabated poaching is continuing for long, which is threatening the forest's spotted deer population, famed worldwide.

High demand of horns and hides of deer are the prime targets of the poachers, local people said while talking to this correspondent during a visit.

Dear hunting in the Sundarbans is banned. Moreover, the UNESCO has been declared the forest a World Heritage Site to protect its flora and fauna.

It was gathered that a section of government officials posted in areas near the forest also visit the Sundarbans often and kill deer.

Besides, a section of licensed gun holders is also involved in it.

Venison is easily available in villages near the forest and trading in it is an open secret there. It is sold at Tk 150 to 180 per kilogram.

Local people claimed that law enforcers and forest officials are aware of sale of venison.

When contacted, Satkhira Range Officer of the Sundarbans said, some of the poachers were caught and action taken. Forest guards guard the forest so stop poaching. But the manpower is too little to the need and they are not well equipped. Their number should be increased, he said.