Berhampur, Odisha – In a significant enforcement action against wildlife crimes, a 27-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly poaching migratory birds in Chilika Lake, India’s largest waterfowl habitat and a designated Ramsar site. The accused has been identified as Sheikh Mustak, a resident of Maluda village in Puri district. The arrest was made by wildlife personnel operating under the Chilika Range of the Chilika Wildlife Division, underscoring the state’s active vigilance against illegal hunting and the protection of its fragile avian biodiversity.

According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Amlan Nayak, Mustak was apprehended during routine patrolling in the Chilika area. On being detained, a search revealed two carcasses of migratory birds, along with a country-made firearm with bullets and a motorcycle used presumably for transporting the poached animals. The DFO confirmed that the recovered birds were identified as little egret and cattle egret, both species listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which strictly prohibits their hunting and trade.

The arrest reflects continued enforcement efforts by the Odisha forest department to curb poaching, particularly during the winter months when thousands of migratory birds descend upon Chilika Lake from distant regions. These avian visitors, which include species from the Northern Eurasia, Caspian region, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Lake Baikal, and other remote areas of Russia and neighboring countries, migrate to Chilika to escape the harsh winter in their native habitats. They typically remain in the lake until early March before commencing their homeward journey as the weather warms.

The wildlife personnel from the Chilika range maintain a strict anti-poaching vigil throughout this critical migratory season. As part of these efforts, the department has established 21 temporary anti-poaching camps spread across the lake, which will remain operational until the end of March. These camps serve as strategic observation points and bases for patrolling teams to monitor illegal hunting activities, ensuring that poachers do not exploit the migratory influx of birds.

Mustak’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown by the Chilika wildlife division over the last few weeks. For instance, on November 18, forest officials apprehended an individual in Dochin and Deipur areas of the Tangi range with 44 dead birds, highlighting the prevalence of illegal hunting in the lake region. Similarly, on November 25, a 65-year-old fisherman was arrested for fishing illegally in a restricted sanctuary area, indicating the diverse challenges posed to the enforcement agencies by unlawful exploitation of the lake’s rich natural resources.

DFO Nayak emphasized the importance of active monitoring and vigilance, especially given Chilika Lake’s ecological significance. Spanning an area of over 1,100 square kilometers, the lake is a critical habitat for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. Its mangrove forests, marshes, and mudflats provide ideal breeding and feeding grounds for numerous waterbirds, including migratory species that undertake long-distance journeys every year. These birds play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance, including controlling insect populations, aiding in seed dispersal, and supporting the local fisheries through their presence in the food web.

Chilika Lake is also an internationally recognized Ramsar wetland, attracting bird watchers, researchers, and tourists from across the globe. The annual migration of birds enhances not only the ecological value of the lake but also contributes significantly to eco-tourism in Odisha. However, poaching poses a serious threat to these conservation efforts, as the killing of protected species disrupts the ecological balance and undermines ongoing initiatives aimed at preserving the lake’s biodiversity.

The arrest of Sheikh Mustak underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Odisha Forest Department’s wildlife wing, which works diligently to enforce the Wildlife Protection Act and other relevant regulations. The department regularly undertakes patrols, raids, and awareness campaigns to curb illegal hunting and ensure the protection of endangered and protected species. These efforts are particularly crucial during the winter months when the lake witnesses an influx of migratory birds from across the Eurasian continent, making the habitat highly vulnerable to exploitation by poachers.

The DFO highlighted that the poaching of species like the little egret and cattle egret is not merely an environmental concern but also a legal violation punishable under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The law imposes stringent penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for hunting, possessing, or trading protected species. In addition, the seizure of country-made firearms and ammunition during the operation raises concerns about the potential escalation of illegal hunting into more organized and armed poaching activities.

Officials noted that continued vigilance, community engagement, and public awareness are critical components of conserving Chilika Lake’s avifauna. Local communities, fishermen, and eco-tourism stakeholders are encouraged to report suspicious activities and collaborate with forest officials to safeguard the habitat. The anti-poaching camps, patrolling teams, and intelligence networks are structured to ensure rapid response and effective deterrence against illegal hunting, which not only threatens wildlife but also impacts the ecological and economic value of the lake.

The migratory patterns of birds visiting Chilika are remarkable in their scale and distance. Birds travel thousands of kilometers from their native regions, enduring harsh climates and perilous journeys, to spend several months in the relatively milder conditions of Odisha’s wetlands. The presence of these migratory species is a testament to the lake’s ecological health and its role as a critical stopover in global migratory flyways. Any disruption to this delicate ecosystem, such as poaching or habitat degradation, can have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity conservation.

In conclusion, the arrest of Sheikh Mustak highlights the continued commitment of the Odisha Forest Department to protecting Chilika Lake’s migratory birds and maintaining ecological balance. The proactive measures, including anti-poaching camps, patrols, and strict enforcement of wildlife laws, are designed to deter poachers and ensure that the lake remains a safe haven for thousands of migratory and resident bird species. As the migratory season progresses, the department has reiterated its determination to monitor activities closely, prevent illegal hunting, and safeguard the ecological integrity of one of India’s most treasured wetlands.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats to wildlife, the importance of legal enforcement, and the critical role of conservation efforts in maintaining biodiversity. It also underscores the shared responsibility of authorities, local communities, and visitors in preserving Chilika Lake’s unique and irreplaceable natural heritage, ensuring that it continues to thrive for generations to come.