Three Arrested for Hunting Barking Deer in Protected Forest

In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, forest officials in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar, arrested three individuals for allegedly hunting a barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak)—a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The arrests followed a tip-off from vigilant villagers, showcasing increasing community involvement in conservation.

How the Poachers Were Caught

Officials revealed that the suspects—local residents from nearby villages—were caught red-handed with the deer carcass and hunting tools, including snares and a firearm. A joint team of forest rangers and wildlife crime control personnel had been monitoring the area for weeks after reports of suspicious activity.

“The accused admitted to hunting the deer for meat and possibly selling body parts in the illegal wildlife trade,” said [DFO Name], Divisional Forest Officer.

Legal Penalties for Hunting Barking Deer

Under Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act, hunting barking deer carries:
– Up to 3 years imprisonment
– Fines exceeding ₹25,000

The accused were booked under Sections 9 (hunting ban) and 51 (violation penalties). Authorities are also probing potential links to larger poaching networks.

Why Barking Deer Are Ecologically Vital

Barking deer, or Indian muntjac, are essential for forest health as:
✔ Seed dispersers
✔ Prey for tigers & leopards

Wildlife expert Dr. [Name] warned:

“Poaching disrupts the food chain and accelerates biodiversity loss.”

Local Community Reactions

While conservationists praised the arrests, some villagers cited poverty-driven poaching. A local leader urged:

“Alternative livelihood programs are needed to reduce reliance on illegal hunting.”

Forest departments plan to increase patrols and partner with NGOs for community education on wildlife protection.

Key Takeaways

• Wildlife crime remains a critical threat in India.
• Public vigilance and stricter enforcement are vital.
• Sustainable livelihoods can deter poaching.

Report suspicious activities to forest helplines. Updates to follow on NextMinuteNews.