This refers to the news “Poachers kill three bears in Kupwara” (GK-June 16). It is pathetic to learn that three black bears were killed in the Sogam area and the Wildlife Department was once again caught napping. This is the second incident of its kind in less than five months. Recently in January a Kashmir Stag (Hangul) was poached in the Dachigam Park and the concerned department was caught napping. One fails to understand how the Wildlife Department can be so negligent. Why it is not able to recognize its role. If a lay man understands the importance of wildlife, why not the professionals. Every time a species is being poached in a broad day light in Kashmir and the concerned authorities least know about it. The authorities have totally failed to save the animals from external threats. One must know that Hangul or  Black Bear is a rare sight in Kashmir. Both these species are threatened. Hangul has long before been put under the category of endangered species and was added in the “Red Data Book.” Black bear is a protected species and remains listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Given the situation, how can we afford to lose such species? The wildlife Department must wake up and do its job sincerely.

Suhail Ashraf Wani
Medical Student
suhailsmailbox@gmail.com

Lastupdate on : Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:00:00 IST