Odisha Forest department announces cash reward for info on pangolin trafficking

Athagarh: With an aim to stop pangolin trafficking, the Forest department has announced a cash reward of Rs 10,000 for someone who can provide info on the illegal trade of the rare species.

Forest staff have put up posters at different places in Athagarh to create awareness among people about pangolin trafficking and requested them to provide information.

“We are placing posters at different places so that locals can participate in pangolin rescue operations. The decision has been taken not for any publicity,” said a forest official.

Earlier, 12 persons were arrested in Athagarh on different occasions for their alleged involvement in the illegal trade of the rare mammal.

Sources said recently the Forest department has come to know about traffickers using social media to make deals of pangolin for sale outside the state as well as abroad. Middlemen used to pay the traffickers on basis of skin and weight of a pangolin.

There is a huge demand of pangolin abroad for its medicinal value. Also, the mammal’s skin is being used for the manufacture of bullet-proof jackets.