Pune: The State Forest Department has detained two poachers in the Gopalwadi (taluka Daund) forest area and seized a live monitor lizard from them. They hunted a rabbit in the area.
Forest researcher Pralhad Jadhav came to know that the duo had caught a monitor lizard in the Goapalwadi reserved forest area located along both sides of the Daund-Kurkumbh National Highway in the district. Jadhav passed on the lead to Daund Divisional Forest Officer Rahul Kale.
Forest Department officials, along with local villagers, combed the forest area and detained Gorakh Ambadas Jadhav (57) from Solapur district and Bharat Janardan Jadhav (34) from Beed district. A live monitor lizard was recovered from them. They also hunted a rabbit.
Both poachers were carrying a sickle, an iron rod and a rope. They also had two dogs. A two-wheeler used in hunting has also been impounded. Gorakh Jadhav and Bharat Jadhav have been booked under provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act. Division Forest Officer Rahul Kale, along with forest personnel GB Gawali, NC Chavan, Ashok Jadhav and Raju More, took the action.