The recent disturbing news from Manipur’s Ukhrul town has raised concern about the exploitation of wildlife. Respected authorities, including police and forest officials, are currently investigating local gambling dens due to alarming reports of wild animals being presented as winnings in raffle draws. The situation necessitates an exploration of their significance, behavior, distribution, and conservation status.
The Unsettling Scenario in Ukhrul’s Gambling Dens
In these covert gambling environments, the prizes at stake are not monetary but rather involve live or dead wild animals. Notably, these include the Binturong, a unique animal indigenous to the region, and numerous bird species such as the grey-sided thrush and tragopans, often referred to as horned pheasants. The State bird of Nagaland, Blyth’s tragopan, is among these exploited birds.
About the Binturong
Also known as the bear cat or cat bear, the Binturong belongs to the civet family (Viverridae) and is renowned for its distinctive, almost catlike, appearance and habits. Residing primarily in Southeast Asia’s dense forests, this omnivore has long shaggy hair, tufted ears, and a prehensile tail known for its bushy nature and considerable length. Predominantly black, it occasionally displays a smattering of whitish hairs.
The Binturong is well adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle and also to twilight activity (crepuscular). It spends majority of its time amid trees, using its prehensile tail for climbing assistance. Its diet consists largely of fruit, notably figs, but it also consumes eggs and small animals. Apparently docile, they have been tamed in certain regions and reported as affectionate pets.
Distribution and Conservation of the Binturong
The Binturong’s geographic range covers a significant area, spanning from Nepal, India, and Bhutan in the north to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java in the south and extending eastward to Borneo. However, despite its extensive habitat, the Binturong is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, while also being included in Appendix III of the CITES listing, and Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Key Facts about Blyth’s Tragopan
This tragopan, named after famed zoologist Edward Blyth, has a geographical distribution that includes Bhutan, China, India, and Myanmar. As with the Binturong, the Blyth’s Tragopan is facing critical challenges regarding its survival. According to the IUCN Red List, it too is considered Vulnerable, reaffirming the urgent need for protective measures. Additionally, it is listed in Appendix I of the CITES listing and Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This highlights the importance of maintaining its natural habitat and protecting it from unlawful exploitation.
Conclusion
The exploitation of wildlife as raffle prizes in Ukhrul’s gambling dens is a pressing issue that demands immediate intervention. The situation underscores the need for increased vigilance and reinforced wildlife protection laws. Both the Binturong and Blyth’s Tragopan, despite their fascinating characteristics and ecological importance, are considered Vulnerable species, emphasizing the urgency of this issue.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024