DOTI: Poaching is rampant in Tele forest area of the Mahabharat range.

The biggest and dense forest in Doti and Dadeldhura districts has become a hunting paradise for poachers. Biltong, the dried meat of deer, boars and leopards killed by poacers can be found in markets in Doti, Dadeldhura and Kailali districts.

Locals said poaching is under protection as the dried meat of poached animals reaches the homes of politicians, administrative office chiefs as well as police and army officers. Poachers sell dried meat openly at Rs 700-1,000 per kg. The price is priced at Rs 2,000 per kg in the Terai. Community forest users say high level authorities have given protection to poachers. “The poachers kill animals in broad daylight in Udeyani Kedar, Gaurishankar and other community forests,” said Khem Patali, a community forest user.

When asked what the district forest office is doing to control poaching, DFO Tirtha Raj Joshi said they can do nothing as the poachers have weapons.