Srinagar, May 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department has issued an arrest warrant against one identified hunter and launched a manhunt to trace others involved in the killing of an endangered male musk deer in the forests of Gurez in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Wildlife officials said the animal was allegedly killed for extraction of its musk pod, which is illegally traded in the black market.
Wildlife Warden North Kashmir, Intesar Suhail, said one of the accused has been identified and further legal action is underway.
“So far one person has been identified. He is a tribal from Rajouri. An arrest warrant has been issued and further action will follow.
Officials said efforts are underway to identify and arrest two more persons believed to be involved in the incident.
The case surfaced after photographs and videos showing the hunters with the slain animal circulated on social media, prompting the Wildlife Department to initiate an investigation.
According to officials, the incident is believed to have taken place about a week ago in the Doudhpathi Kissar area of Gurez forests.
Visuals purportedly linked to the incident show three hunters cutting the carcass of the endangered Kashmir musk deer, scientifically known as Moschus cupreus, with a firearm seen nearby.
Officials said a wildlife team, including range officers and field personnel, has been deputed to Gurez to investigate the killing and collect evidence.
The musk deer is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and hunting of the species is prohibited.
Wildlife officials said poachers often target the animal for meat, skin and particularly the musk pod, which carries high black-market value.