Rambha, July 12: A poacher was arrested with seizure of carcasses of 18 birds from his possession near Bhusandapur in Khurda district on Thursday, said Chilika DFO Amlan Nayak.
The accused has been identified as Bhagirathi Swain (50) of Bidharpursahi near Bhusandpur under Tangi forest range.
Chilika wildlife division personnel nabbed the poacher when he was carrying the carcasses to the market for sale.
The carcasses are of four bird species-Grey Headed Swamphen (14), Lesser Whistling Duck (two) and one each of Pheasant Tailed Jacana and Bronze Winged Jacana. The carcasses were buried after autopsy, said Nayak.
The tissue samples of the carcasses would be sent to the Centre for Wildlife Health in Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and to state forensic laboratory, Bhubaneswar for toxicological analysis, he added.
Chilika wildlife division has intensified patrolling ahead of arrival of migrating birds to the lake and nearby biosphere.
