Varun Jain, the Deputy Director of Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR), on Monday thwarted a bird poaching attempt by freeing several trapped birds from nets laid out by poachers targeting the Hariyal bird, also known as the Yellow-Footed Green Pigeon. During his routine inspection of the West Jora Tarai Beat in the Arsi Kanhar Range, Jain discovered a trap set up in a forest drain, ensnaring two to three green birds. Upon spotting the forest department personnel, the hunter responsible for the trap fled the scene, leaving the trapped birds behind. Jain and his team successfully liberated the birds from the nets, ensuring their safety. Jain emphasised the importance of increased patrolling in such areas, particularly during the summer when predatory activities around water sources escalate.

 

Jain provided insights into the hunting techniques employed by poachers, describing how they use bait and strategically placed nets to capture unsuspecting birds, including the prized Yellow-Footed Green Pigeon. These birds, highly sought after for their taste and nutritional value, fetch high prices in local eateries, with enthusiasts willing to pay up to Rs 1,000 for a single bird. The USTR serves as a habitat for these pigeons, making them a target for hunters, particularly from neighboring Odisha. The captured birds are then supplied to eateries along highways in the Dhamtari district, where their price further inflates. Jain’s intervention highlights the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife poaching and protect vulnerable species within the sanctuary.