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GUWAHATI, Mar 22: A rare Indochinese tiger has been poached inside Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, raising concerns over security lapses and wildlife protection in the region. Following a special operation, forest officials arrested four poachers on Tuesday, recovering four tiger teeth, confirming fears of the killing.
The accused, identified as Pranen Narzary, Finister Basumatary, Bimal Basumatary, and Sanjeev Mushahary, were taken into custody, and an investigation is underway to determine the extent of the poaching network.
The incident has sparked outrage among conservationists, with RTI activist and environmentalist Dilip Nath strongly criticizing the park’s administration and security measures.
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“If a poaching gang can enter a protected area, kill a tiger, and smuggle its body parts without detection, it is a failure of the security system,” Nath said. He also questioned the effectiveness of the Manas Tiger Project, which was designed to protect the region’s dwindling tiger population.
The poaching of an Indochinese tiger, already classified as an endangered species, has raised concerns about illegal wildlife trade. The demand for tiger parts, including teeth, bones, and skins, remains high in certain Asian markets, where they are used in traditional medicine and luxury goods.
Wildlife experts believe that gaps in surveillance and enforcement have allowed poaching networks to operate freely. Conservationists have stressed the need for stricter penalties, real-time monitoring, and better enforcement of anti-poaching laws.
Forest officials have assured that a thorough investigation is being carried out to track the network responsible for the poaching. However, activists remain skeptical, citing past instances where poaching cases were underreported or did not lead to significant action.
Nath has urged Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene and take strict action against those responsible for the security lapse.
“Words and assurances won’t bring back the tiger. We need accountability, strict punishments, and an overhaul of the park’s security system,” he said.
Conservationists have also called for technology-driven surveillance, including drone monitoring and real-time camera tracking, to enhance wildlife protection.
India, home to over 70% of the world’s wild tigers, continues to struggle with poaching despite conservation efforts like Project Tiger.
Manas National Park has a history of poaching-related challenges, with decades of insurgency contributing to a decline in wildlife populations. Although recovery efforts have been made, the latest incident highlights ongoing threats to the park’s biodiversity.
Officials have confirmed that the case remains under active investigation, with authorities probing links to a larger wildlife trafficking network.
