A man involved in the poaching and killing of Asiatic Black Bear also known as the Himalayan Black Bear or Tibetan Black Bear, was arrested following photos that showed four persons skinning the animal went viral on social media.
The bear which was pregnant can be seen lying dead with its tongue out. The pictures led to an outrage on social media. The incident is said to have happened on May 4 at Mawpyrthuh, a remote village in Pynursla sub-division. Forest Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui, who is also the Home Minister said that the police violators would be charged under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The Tibetan Black Bear is a species listed under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
A senior wildlife officer said that the department had received information about a number of water bodies being poisoned killing fishes. He said that such instances were reported from mngot river, Umngi river and other minor rivers across the state.