Local authorities in Oddar Meanchey province are on the lookout for suspects who killed a pregnant gaur last week in Lomtong village of Anlong Veng district’s Lomtong commune.
Commune deputy police chief Men Moul said on March 28 officers were patrolling the forest to prevent migrant workers from Thailand escaping quarantine when they spotted the pregnant gaur carcass in the bush near the base of a mountain in the village.
“The pregnant gaur was likely shot by hunters because it was injured near its right ear. It was shot elsewhere and it tried to escape and died in the bush,” he said, adding that the animal died a few days prior as the carcass was already decomposing. Officers buried it on the spot.
Provincial Department of Environment director Phuong Lina said on March 28 the location where the carcass was found is not situated inside the wildlife sanctuary.
According to Lina, villagers and local authorities claimed they had recently spotted a herd of 10 gaurs grazing in rubber and cassava plantations.
“We were so saddened when we heard about the gaur’s death. We suspect that it was shot but it was not in a protected area” he said.
Lina called on people and relevant authorities to participate in preservation work for wildlife including prohibiting hunting.
He said the gaur is an endangered species whose population is low. The animals are currently facing habitat loss and being hunted for meat and trade.
