Special kits to be used to identify poachers; Indrakiran Reddy

HYDERABAD: Forest and Environment Minister Indrakaran Reddy said that the Forest Department is taking special measures to get the data and protect wildlife in and around the forests of Telangana. The Minister presented an evidence collection kit, specially designed by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), on the occasion of International Tiger Day at Aranya Bhavan on Friday.

The uses of the kit, collection of samples, analysis of wildlife DNA tests and other aspects were explained to the Minister by representatives of WCS.

The kits would be used to collect information about the death of an animal – whether natural or killing. The kits would also be used to collect evidence – their footprints, nails, hair, skin and meat remains and the samples would be sent to Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) for DNA tests.

Minister Indrakaran Reddy said that the forensic department played an important role in the collection of evidence in a poaching case and such modern and scientific methods were very useful for the protection of endangered wildlife.

He said that through the biological evidence, there would be a chance of harsher punishments to poachers, thereby reducing the incidents of poaching.

He said that they would give training to the forest department officials on how to collect samples and use them through these kits.

Forest Development Corporation Chairman Vanteru Pratap Reddy, MLA Gandra Venkataramana Reddy, Hyderabad Tiger Conservation Society Director Imran, WCS India Legal Head Shyama K and others participated in the programme.