Leopard skin seizure highlights poaching threat in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sep 22 (UNI) The Odisha Vigilance's forest wing seized a leopard skin and arrested an alleged hunter in Udyanbandh Forest Range under Khariar Forest Division in Nuapada district on Tuesday, officials said. The accused, identified as Inyat Alli, a resident of Kumuntimunda village under Kumna police station, was arrested for allegedly violating Section 9 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The offence is punishable under Section 51 of the Act. The seized skin will be sent to the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, for biological examination. Further investigation is underway, officials said. Notably, leopards are listed under Schedule I…