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Uttarakhand forest rangers get training to counter poachers
by Vipul Goel

          Haldwani (Uttarakhand): The Chief Conservator of Forests in Uttarakhand has equipped local rangers and other field staff with night vision cameras and other hi-tech security-cum-communication gadgets to protect animals from poachers. There has been a sharp increase in the number of incidents of poaching in recent times. This has prompted the Government to protect priceless flora and fauna in the state. The frontline forest staff headed by the Rangers are being taught how to use the latest gadgets to counter poaching. They have been given a first hand account of the tactics of the jungle mafia and the traps laid by poachers to catch tigers, leopards and elephants. Parag Madhukar, Divisional Forest Officer of Terai Range said: "We are increasing the efficiency of the staff by training them to use the latest gadgets. Some of the techniques include patrolling the water bodies using motorboats. Forest staff has also been trained how to use the latest metal detectors." Uttarakhand has 13.42 percent of its land declared as protected areas wherein a variety of fascinating wildlife such as the golden mahseer, Himalayan monal, the Great Hornbill, Himalayan musk deer, elephants and the majestic felines like the tiger and the snow leopards reside. Besides, numerous species of reptiles including the king cobra can be seen in the lush green forests here. The step of updating the forest rangers and field staff with the latest technology is expected to go a long way in saving endangered species.
-Mar 11, 2009

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