A carcass of a ratel (Gadabhalu) was retrieved at Mangalajodi in the Chilika lake recently. Members of the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Surakshya Samiti (SSMPSS) during their regular patrolling activity found the dead animal.
The ratel, most probably killed, had come down for prey, like snakes, rodents, etc.
Notably, the SSMPSS conducts regular patrols in Chilka waters in and around Mangalajodi, along with the Wild Orissa. Recently, another ratel was found dead in the area when it was hit by a vehicle.
Wild Orissa vice chairperson Nanda Kishore Bhujabal handed over the body to the local forest officials.
Meanwhile, the Wild Orissa has demanded that the total area of Chilka falling within the monsoon water limits of the Chilika lake be notified as ‘Eco Sensitive Zone.’