Predator menace: Footprint samples sent for lab testing

IMPHAL: Wildlife Institute of India (WII) scientists have begun their investigation to ascertain the nature of the unknown predators which have been killing domestic animals across the state. At least four WII experts - Vikramjit Sharma, N Sharmila, Gopi GV and Aisho Sharma Adhikarimayum - have arrived in Manipur to investigate the killings.
Sharma and Sharmila have collected footprint samples, suspected to have been left by the predator, from places where the domestic animals were killed.The samples have been sent to the WII head office in Dehradun for laboratory testing. The two other team members, Gopi GV and Adhikarimayum, who is a camera track expert, landed in Imphal on Sunday night. They have also begun their investigation.
Forest and environment minister Thounoujam Shyamkumar on Monday said cameras have been installed at various strategic locations and traps have been set up to capture the predators. The minister also appealed to the public to remain alert and not share fake news which might unnecessarily spread panic.