Mountain quails, found in the hilly areas of Koraput district and locally called Gunduri, appear to be on the verge of extinction because of rampant poaching.
According to Wildlife Protection Act, capturing and killing of these birds is a non-bailable offence.
Despite this, poaching of mountain quails continues unabated particularly in areas under Boipariguda block in the district.
Sources alleged that the authorities are not taking any measures to stop poaching of this protected species.
Following the harvesting season (November to February) every year, these birds fly down to paddy and ragi fields to lay eggs and eat leftovers.
"During this period, poachers can be spotted in paddy fields carrying locally-made nets and traps. Ten to 15 get trapped in each net and the poachers sell their meat to roadside joints in rural areas and at weekly haats," said Boipariguda-based campaigner Chakrapani Paricha.
Each bird weighs around 50 to 100 gm and priced between Rs 40 and 50 depending on its size. "Locals believe that consuming quail meat would help dissolve stones in stomach. It is tasty too," he added.
The meat is sold openly at Dandabadi, Baligaon, Boipariguda, Doraguda, Dasmantput, Kathpoda and Tanginiguda under Boipariguda forest range, forest officials said.
"Though we take action against poachers, they still manage to kill the birds in the interior pockets. We have launched an awareness drive to sensitise people about the importance of protecting the bird," said forest range officer (Boipariguda) Uma Mahesh.
"Forest officials recently spotted some poachers spreading nets in a field, but they managed to escape. We are on the job to check poaching of quails in the area," the forest official added.
