Pangolin hunting in Karnataka's forest areas continues unabated, seven held in Kudremukh

India: Seven poachers were recently arrested for hunting pangolins — the world’s most trafficked animal — in Kudremukh National Park. With rising demand for pangolin meat and its scales in the international markets of China and Vietnam, poaching of pangolin has been on the rise. In fact, four species of Asian pangolins have been hunted almost to extinction.

Recently, the Someshwara Range officials under the Kudremukha Wildlife Division (KWD) caught the seven hunters with a dead pangolin and its scales. This local gang was equipped with snares, traps and other equipment to trap these solitary and elusive mammals.

Ganesh Bhat, Deputy Conservator of Forests, KWD,  said, “Based on a tip off that a group of hunters had entered the forest area, the seven poachers were arrested. Investigations have been completed and a case has been filed against them and they are now out on bail. Under Wildlife Protection Act, they will get a punishment up to three years. Out of the seven, two of them were involved in a similar case earlier. The animal is prized for its meat while the scales fetches a high price in the international market.”

The DCF added that about 59 families who are nomads and have been rehabilitated in the Someshwara area are known to hunt snakes, porcupines and also pangolins. They don’t stay at one place and move from region to region and are regularly involved in hunting wildlife. Meanwhile, forest officials from other ranges say that in the last five years, many groups of hunters have been caught and arrested. Some hunters have been convicted, jailed and steep fines have been imposed.