International poachers active in Orissa, show dead elephants

Chetan Chauhan, HIndustan Times

New Delhi, November 29, 2006

After tigers, the elephants have caught attention of poachers, especially in Orissa.

Of the 40 elephants deaths reported in Orissa since April this year, half have reportedly been killed by poachers. And, in all these cases, the tusks and other essential parts of the elephants were removed in the most gruesome manner, which experts say can only be the handiwork of poachers.

In some cases, usage of new tools to excavate the tusks have also been observed, which indicates the involvement of international ivory smuggling rings.

In the last ten days alone, six elephant deaths have been reported, of which four are believed to be result of poaching.

To read the full story from the Hindustan Times click on the blog title