WCCB holds awareness drive against poaching in Cherla Range

A sensitisation programme was held at VV Ramaiah village in Kothagudem district to educate tribal communities about wildlife conservation, legal consequences of poaching, and the importance of biodiversity.

Kothagudem: A sensitisation and awareness programme for tribal communities was conducted at VV Ramaiah village in Cherla forest range in the district against poaching, possession of wildlife and wildlife trafficking.

The programme was organised by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Southern Region, Chennai under the union Ministry of Environment and Forests in association with the forest department and Meraki organisation to educate tribals about the importance of wildlife conservation.

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The officials explained to the residents about the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and legal consequences of hunting, trapping, possession, and illegal trade of wild animals and their body parts.

The villagers were also educated on the ecological importance of wildlife, its conservation, and the vital role of local communities in protecting forests and biodiversity. They were told to cooperate with the forest department and report any information relating to poaching, illegal wildlife trade or suspicious activities in the forest areas to prevent wildlife offences.

The awareness programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from tribal villagers, who actively interacted with the officials and expressed their commitment to protecting wildlife and forest resources, said the district forest officer Siddharth Vikram Singh here on Friday.

He appreciated the initiative taken by the WCCB while stressing on the need for continuous efforts to create awareness among forest-fringe communities for wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation.