Boudh, Odisha — Two suspected poachers were arrested and a leopard skin was seized in Boudh district, according to officials on Friday.

Background

The population of leopards in Odisha has seen a 22 per cent rise from 568 in 2022 to 696 in 2024. Despite this increase, leopard poaching continues to be a concern in the region. Leopards are conferred protected status under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA) of 1972 and are categorized as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The forest wing of Odisha Vigilance arrested the suspected poachers, identified as Abhay Nayak and Nilakantha Kanhar, based on reliable information. A surprise raid was conducted at Karanjkata village under Puruna-Katak police station jurisdiction, resulting in the seizure of a leopard skin. The accused were booked under Section 9 and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and later remanded to judicial custody.

Community Impact

The local community is affected by the poaching of leopards, which are an important part of the ecosystem. The Odisha Vigilance officials have taken action to curb wildlife crime. The persistence of such incidents highlights the need for continued efforts to protect endangered species. The community is concerned about the safety of both humans and wildlife in the area.

The arrest of the two suspected poachers and the seizure of the leopard skin are significant developments in the efforts to combat wildlife crime in Boudh district. The incident underscores the importance of continued vigilance and conservation efforts to protect the leopard population and its habitat.

What Happens Next

The accused will face legal consequences for their actions. The Odisha Vigilance will continue to monitor the situation to prevent further incidents of wildlife poaching. The local community will be watching closely to see how effective these efforts are in protecting both humans and wildlife in the region.