Poachers in Goa making a killing

Sell domestic pork claiming it as wild boar meat

Bhiva Parab

Panaji: Driven by the lure of quick money, poachers in Goa have devised a scheme to sell domestic pig meat, known locally as ‘barrao’, as wild boar meat.

Despite a ban on the sale of wild boar meat, the high demand for this delicacy has led to a disturbing trend where unsuspecting customers are being deceived into paying premium prices for what is essentially domestic pork.

This illegal practice not only undermines wildlife protection laws, but also poses significant health risks to consumers.

Wildlife activist and Animal Rescue Squad president, Amrut Singh, described the issue, saying, “Wild boar meat is sold illegally due to high demand, but poachers have found an easy way to make quick money. They sell domestic pig meat at high prices, falsely claiming it is wild boar meat.”

The ‘barrao’ pigs, raised locally, are fed a diet of poultry intestines and other substances that alter the taste and texture of their meat, making it more similar to that of wild boar. This manipulation allows poachers to deceive customers into paying exorbitant rates for what is essentially domestic pig meat.

Singh said it is difficult for the average consumer to distinguish between the two, warning that people should avoid buying wild meat, as it is banned by law.

The illegal sale of wild boar meat commands a high price, with a small portion (locally known as vato) selling for Rs 400 or more, depending on the black market demand. The secretive nature of these transactions enables poachers to exploit the situation, capitalising on the high demand for wild animal meat in the state. However, consuming meat from domestic pigs raised on such questionable diets poses significant health risks.

Local resident Gaja Naik said, “Eating domestic pig meat sold as wild boar meat carries health risks due to the transformation in these pigs caused by their diet. Wild meat should be avoided, not just because it is illegal, but also due to the potential health hazards.”

Wild boars and other animals are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, and their habitats are already shrinking in Goa. Activists stress the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats, as hunting them down can disrupt the ecological balance and increase human-animal conflicts. The use of dogs to hunt wild animals also raises concerns, as bites and injuries inflicted by dogs can transmit diseases to the prey, making the meat dangerous for human consumption. This alarming practice underscores the need for greater awareness and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws in Goa.

The illegal trade in wild meat threatens both, public health and the state’s delicate ecological balance.

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