Kendrapara: Poaching activity is posing a threat to spotted deer species at Bhitarkanika National Park. On an average, 64 cases of deer poaching are being reported every year in the sanctuary.

With poachers on the prowl, the deer population is on a downslide. While the national park was once home to 5,000 deer, last year's census shows that the population had dropped to 3,125.

If the statistics released by the national park authorities are any indication, 192 poachers were arrested for offences pertaining to the killing of deer since the past three years. Anti-poaching squads registered 92 cases during the period and seized hide and antlers of these fast-breeding animals. Wildlife experts, however, say that 92 cases were far less than the extent of poaching. They blamed the anti-poaching squads for slack vigil.

The poachers often trap the animals by spreading nylon ropes in the mangrove forest and its nearby areas and kill the deer. Some poachers also use trained dogs to kill the spotted deer, said sources.

As a string of populous human settlements dot the borders of Bhitarkanika, animals straying from the park into these areas to graze easily fall prey to the poachers.

The forest department has intensified vigil on poaching activity with constitution of anti-poaching squads to keep round-the-clock watch.

Stray cases of poaching have come to light recently. But the department has resolved to ensure the animals' safety in the mangrove habitat, said Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) divisional forest officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya.