Doti, Jan 16: Poaching of wild animals has gone rampant in highlands of Doti district following the start of snowfall.    

Although exact data of wild animals poached since the beginning of snowfall this winter season is not available, local people claimed that the number is higher.    

Gangs of poachers equipped with firearms and weapons like pistols, darts and khukuri sneak into the forests and poach wild animals on a daily basis, said local resident

Dambar Mauni. When snowfall starts, wild animals start migrating to bushes and to the areas near human settlements, giving poachers easy access to kill them, he said.    

Similarly, dry meat of wild animals like pheasant, wild boar and deer killed by poachers are sold openly in the local market at Dipayal, Rajpur, Pipalla and Gaira. "Local people in hordes armed with weapons enter the forests, spend weeks there and poach wild animals. No authorities has taken measures so far to stop this," said Niraj Bista of Jorayal rural municipality-5.    

Jorayal, Mannakapadi, Napani, Deutal, Mustal, Gagandeudar, Anarkhola, Muthe, Chaukune, Bogatan, Alleban and Khaptad are the areas where poachers frequent and kill wild animals rampantly.    

Some poachers are also found using hunting dogs to kill wild animals. Locals blamed the bodies concerned for failure to control wildlife poaching.    
When asked, Chief at the District Police Office, Doti, Dilip Singh Deuba pledged action against those involved in wildlife poaching and smuggling.    

As per the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act-2029, one faces a five to 15 years' jail term and is fined between Rs 50,000 and Rs 100,000 if found poaching and smuggling wild animals.