Dibrugarh: The forest department on Saturday arrested three people in connection with the hunting of a protected hornbill in the Inthem area under the Margherita East Range of the Digboi Forest Division in Tinsukia district.The case came to light after a video was circulated on social media, purportedly showing a person posing with the dead bird. The footage drew reactions from wildlife conservationists and the public, prompting the department to launch an investigation.State environment and forest minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the department acted promptly after the video came to their attention. “Wildlife crimes will not be tolerated. The department acted as soon as this came to our notice and we will ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law,” he said.Based on leads gathered during an inquiry, forest officials tracked down the three accused and took them into custody. Authorities said action is being initiated against them under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.Wildlife conservationist Devajit Moran condemned the killing, describing it as an assault on the region’s natural heritage. “Hornbills are among the most ecologically significant birds in our forests. Killing one is not just a legal offence but an irreversible loss for our ecosystem,” he said, urging the authorities to ensure strict punishment to prevent similar incidents in the future.Hornbills, including the Great Hornbill and the Oriental Pied Hornbill, are found in the forests of Digboi, Margherita, Dehing Patkai and surrounding areas of Tinsukia district. The bird plays a key role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds across large areas. Despite its ecological importance, the species continues to face threats from habitat destruction and poaching.Forest officials appealed to the public to report wildlife crimes directly to the authorities rather than simply sharing such content on social media, saying timely information can help the department respond faster.
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