Soar in chicken prices increases demand for game meat

The poaching of wild animals in national parks has been increased because of the increase in chicken prices in the market, Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Officers' Association (SLWCOA) said.

A senior official of the association told the Daily Mirror that poaching of wild animals in Polonnaruwa Minneriya, Somawathiya, Wasgamuwa, Maduruoya, Jalagelum Nimna National Park as well as other forest reserves has seen an increase.

The rapid increase in the chicken price in the market has resulted in an increase in the demand for killing wild animals.

Therefore, the association requested the government to make the Wildlife Conservation Department an essential service and organise a programme to protect Sri Lanka's forests and wildlife resources.

The association also mentioned that they have to curtail their duties on Saturdays and Sundays due to the current fuel crisis. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)