Arunachal Pradesh: Wild Meat Seized in Daporijo, Officials Struggle to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

PASIGHAT: Forest officials in Upper Subansiri district, led by Divisional Forest Officer (Territorial) Boken Pao, seized large quantities of wild animal carcasses and wild meat during routine inspections in and around Daporijo town on New Year’s Eve.

The confiscated items included various species of mammals, rodents, birds, and reptiles. Despite the seizures, no arrests were made in connection with the illegal trade.

Speaking about the challenge of curbing wildlife hunting and meat trading, DFO Pao highlighted the increasing demand for wild meat among affluent individuals as a significant driving factor.

"People are indulging in wildlife hunting due to the increasing demand. Further, wild meat is sold at very high prices, which is encouraging the poor people to indulge in such illegal activities," he said.

To combat the issue, the divisional forest office, in collaboration with the Kamle forest division, the Upper Subansiri district administration, and local student unions, has been organizing awareness programs in Daporijo to educate the public on the importance of wildlife conservation.

However, Pao expressed concern that the illegal hunting and trading of wild meat continues unabated in local markets. "Hunting and trading of wild meat is going on unabated in the markets of Daporijo," he lamented.

He urged community leaders in the Upper Subansiri district to step forward and actively participate in protecting the region’s wildlife.

The DFO also pointed to logistical challenges, including a lack of sufficient manpower and vehicles, as a significant hindrance to effectively tackling illegal wildlife activities in the area.

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