Food shortage compels locals to hunt animals

With shortage of food supply and decreasing production, people of Olangchungola VDC in Taplejung district have begun hunting wild animals as an alternative to livelihood.

According to news reports, the village has been facing food shortage since the Chinese authorities closed border with Nepal in November when Tibetans protests in Nepal reached its peak.

Despite food shortages, Nepali authorities have failed to make regular supply of food to this village. The villagers find it easier to purchase food from Tibet than traveling to district headquarters Phungling.

Locals said they have no option but to poach wild animals, including snow leopards, red panda, musk deer and deer in the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area for food. nepalnews.com ia June 10 08

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