Imphal, November 17: Despite the mass campaign launched by the state forest Department and Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department to prevent the possible outbreak of avian influenza from the migratory birds, the meat of these birds continue to be sold with many landing up on the dining tables of those who relish their meat.

Though wide spread awareness campaign on avian flu is underway, Red Legged Falcons - both live and dressed - are found in the open market at Tamenglong district.

The wild bird meat is said to be very delicious and is priced upward of Rs 15 a bird, informed sources said.

Even after detection of a carcass of the same species near the banks of Barak River had caused panic in some areas of the district most villagers are of the belief that it was killed by sling shots thereby resulting in the Department�s endeavour to a futile exercise as poachers continue hunting neglecting the deadly disease.

Chief Wild Life Warden A Kharshiing has already instructed the District Forest Officer, Tamenglong to take necessary action against the poachers with the help of police.

The report of the officer�s action is awaited.

Last year around one lakh Red Legged Falcons were killed by the poachers at Tamenlong but the number might be less this time owing to restrictions put by the state authorities, the source further said.

According to ornithologist Wahengbam Rajesh almost all species of migratory birds are found in local markets especially in the hills and in the peripheries of Loktak Lake.

According to a survey report, the price of one Wag tail is Rs 15, Little Grebe - Rs 10, Khalij Pheasant - Rs 50, Brahminary duck or Ferruginous duck - Rs 200 to Rs 300, he said.

Rajesh, who also has a close link with the Bombay Natural History Society, a prominent wildlife organization of the world, opined that concerted effort in collusion with state forest department , law enforcing agencies and wild life activists might yield positive results in checking poaching of wild birds and animals.

He is also of the view that despite villagers claiming poaching as their source of sustenance not be encouraged as that would amount to granting them the right to eliminate endangered species.

The villagers can switch over to other means to earn a livelihood.

�We have already conducted a series of campaign in the hills and spread awareness not to kill wild animals as the more they kill the more they would face difficulties as the number of animals would be drastically reduced,� Rajesh said while adding � now things are improving�.

State Principal Chief Conservator of Forest S Singsit asserted that lack of man power in the office mostly in the hills to control poaching is the main hurdle.

�Indeed we are trying our best to foil it�.

A new scheme has also been launched to check poaching activities, he said.

According to the scheme �we are paying incentives to any informer who passes explicit report on poaching to either the district or head office,� he said.

The information should include the location or home address of the poacher.

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