Giri Prakash Roka aged 18 of Rugma VDC; Myagdi district was caught with leopard skin on 22 August, 2018. Giri Parkash along with his friend who is 31 years old was found to be involved in leopard skin trade.

Similarly, 25 years old Jhalak Chantal, 23 years Devendra Rashaili and 23 years Ganendra Sanchula of Baglung, Tamakhola, VDC-6, were charged by Police in Kaski, Pokhara Lekhnath for smuggling leopard skin. Big cats (Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard and Tiger) crime is increasing in recent years.

In current fiscal year 2074/75, 36 peoples were caught by police for smuggling Big cats parts. A close study of the crime data of last three month shows that youths are involved more in wildlife crime. It shows that youths are directly or indirectly involved in big cats’ parts smuggling. Big cats are very important for ecological balance but it is under threat.

In last 3 months, most of the youth of age group of 20-25 are found to be involved in big cats crime. Likewise, it is also found that usually crime is done in group of 8 peoples.  However, overall data of three months shows most of the crime were done in group of three peoples. Peoples are involved in wildlife crime due to lack of job for their economic survival.

Big cats are carnivore animals which play an important ecological role by regulating prey populations and structuring animal communities. In 2018, world wildlife day was celebrated with the slogan of big cats: Predators under threat. World wildlife day is celebrated every year on 3rd March.

National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029 has made it illegal to wound, kill and trade of wildlife including rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, musk deer, Dhwanshe Chituwa (clouded leopard).

Source: http://naturekhabar.com/en/archives/11771