The Nayagarh forest division, once a safe haven for diverse wildlife, is increasingly becoming a hotspot for poachers. A surge in illegal hunting activities has raised serious concerns among environmentalists and forest officials. Shockingly, poachers seem to outnumber forest staff in these jungles, making it difficult to protect endangered species. Despite repeated crackdowns, the illegal wildlife trade continues to thrive, with frequent seizures of tiger skins, elephant tusks, and other banned items making headlines. 
Nayagarh Forests in Crisis: Rising Tiger & Leopard Poaching in Odisha


A Grim Reality: Tigers Under Threat  

Every year, reports of tiger skin seizures from Nayagarh’s forests have become alarmingly common. The situation has deteriorated to the point where wild animals no longer feel safe even in their natural habitats. Recently, a leopard skin was seized from the forests near Khalisahi village under the Dasapalla forest range. Similarly, on July 1 last year, the Special Task Force (STF) recovered a tiger skin from Hariradabadi village.  
Poachers’ networks remain highly active. In another incident, the STF arrested two individuals, Prahlad Kanhar and Bholeshwar Kanhar, from Kurumi village under the Dasapalla forest range, seizing 209 pangolin scales (1 kg) and 16 leopard claws. Additionally, deer antlers were confiscated from a suspect in Bulungu village under the Banigochha forest section.  

A Timeline of Poaching Incidents  

In 2022, another major incident occurred when the STF arrested Bhagabat Majhi from Bhogabadi village and recovered two tiger skins near Kuariya. In 2023, during a raid in Baliberena village under Chadheipalli panchayat, two more tiger skins were seized from Baidyara Malik.  
Kandhamal district has also emerged as a hub for wildlife crimes. In one case, the STF arrested Rabindra Narayan Kanhar and Sukumar Kanhar from Mujurabadi village under Chacheipalli panchayat and recovered a tiger skin from Brahmanipada village.  
Earlier, the Banigochha (West) forest division administration arrested four accused individuals and seized knives, tiger claws, and deer hides.  

Why is Poaching Increasing in Nayagarh? 

Several factors contribute to the rise in poaching in the region:  
  • Weak Surveillance: Despite the presence of forest staff, the vast and dense forest areas make it difficult to monitor illegal activities effectively.  
  • High Demand for Wildlife Products: Tiger skins, leopard claws, and pangolin scales fetch high prices in international black markets.  
  • Local Involvement: Many seizures reveal the involvement of villagers, indicating that poaching has become a lucrative illegal trade for some.  
  • Inadequate Punishment: Even when caught, offenders often receive minimal punishment due to legal loopholes and delays, encouraging repeat crimes.  

The Way Forward: Strengthening Conservation Efforts 

Immediate action is needed to combat this crisis:  
  • Enhanced Patrolling: Increasing the number of forest personnel and using advanced surveillance tools like camera traps and drones can help track poachers.  
  • Community Awareness: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts and providing alternative livelihoods can reduce dependence on illegal wildlife trade.  
  • Stricter Laws: Swift and severe punishment for offenders can act as a deterrent.  
  • Interagency Coordination: Better collaboration between the STF, forest department, and wildlife crime control units is crucial for intelligence sharing and rapid action.  

Conclusion 

The Nayagarh forest division, rich in biodiversity, faces a severe threat from uncontrolled poaching. While authorities have made some progress in seizing illegal wildlife products, a long-term strategy involving stricter laws, community participation, and technological intervention is essential to protect endangered species. If immediate steps are not taken, Nayagarh’s forests may soon lose their majestic tigers and leopards, creating an ecological void that can never be filled.  
The time to act is now—before it’s too late.

Ratnakar Hota

Journalist

Ratnakar Hota is a journalist as well as an enthusiastic environmentalist and wildlife conservationist. For many years, he has written extensively about various tiger reserves and forest areas of Odisha. His writings primarily focus on tiger conservation, ecological balance, and collaborative efforts with local communities.