Six held for illegal blackbuck hunting in Karnataka forest

Forest Department officials in Bidar have arrested six suspects in connection with illegal hunting of blackbuck, an endangered species protected under Indian wildlife laws. The arrests were made following an operation in the Bidar forest region.

Authorities seized two four-wheel vehicles and a rifle allegedly used by the accused to hunt the protected antelope. The recovery of these items suggests an organized poaching operation, marking a significant crackdown on wildlife crime in the district.

Blackbuck, native to the Indian subcontinent, are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, making their hunting a serious criminal offense. The species faces persistent threats from poaching driven by illegal trade and traditional beliefs.

The arrested individuals are currently in custody pending further investigation. The Forest Department has intensified surveillance in the region to prevent similar incidents and protect the remaining blackbuck population in Karnataka's forests.