Man arrested in Mizoram for poaching state animal serow

Aizawl: A 30-year-old man was arrested for poaching a serow (Saza), Mizoram’s state animal, and possessing its meat for consumption, officials said.

The accused was arrested from his residence at Sesawng, about 40 km from Aizawl, on Wednesday, they said.

Acting on a tip-off, forest department officials raided the accused’s house and its surroundings on Wednesday, during which they recovered serow meat preserved for consumption and equipment used for hunting the animal, officials said.

The man was booked under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act for illegally hunting a protected animal and possessing its meat without authorisation, they added.

He was sent to the Central Jail at Tanhril, on the western outskirts of Aizawl, on Thursday, officials said.

According to officials, the serow, which is Mizoram’s state animal, is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Hunting the animal attracts stringent punishment, including imprisonment for a term of not less than three years, which may extend up to seven years, along with a fine of up to Rs 25,000.

Meanwhile, the state forest department expressed regret over the incident and urged the public to remain aware of wildlife protection laws and contribute to the conservation of forests and wildlife.