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Tusker leading wild herd in Chakpada injured

BERHAMPUR: The tusker leading a wild herd of pachyderms now moving in Chakapada block of Kandhamal district is suspected to be injured by poachers.

The localites say the tusker has injuries on its leg, which may have been caused by bullets or pellets. This herd has around 18 elephants. The Phulbani Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), N.C.Mohanty also confirmed the presence of this elephant herd in Chakapada block of Kandhamal district. “Although we have received information regarding the injured tusker in the herd, nothing can be said about the reason behind its injury unless the elephant is inspected from close quarters”, he said.

But there is presence of poachers and illegal traders of wild animal remnants in Kandhamal district. Many of them have been arrested in the past. About a week back two members of an interstate gang were arrested in Rayagada district adjoining Kandhamal district along with seizure of 43 tusks.

The elephant herd that has entered into Chakapada block with the injured tusker is not part of jungles of Kandhamal district.

Mr. Mohanty said this herd may have migrated from Nayagarh or Bhanjanagar North forest divisions lured by the standing paddy crop in fields during harvesting season. Chakapada blocks falls in the path of migratory route of elephants.

As precautionary measure the forest officials have started awareness drive at villages of the block which fall in the possible path of this wild elephant herd. The villagers have been advised to be extra cautious as the herd has an injured tusker.

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