Chencho Dema

Punakha-A 25-year-old man from Kazhi gewog, Wangdue, is in custody at the Punakha police station after being found in possession of musk pods. The pod was wrapped in plastic and discovered on November 1.

He was travelling by taxi from Punakha to Wangdue with a friend, whose identity remains unknown, when traffic police conducting a routine check near Khuruthang Bridge found the pods.

Another suspect managed to escape the scene and remains at large.

According to sources, the two suspects had travelled over 30 kilometres from Khuruthang to Chubu Tsachu in Toedwang gewog on October 25 to hunt musk deer.

Within a week, they reportedly trapped four musk deers and returned to Punakha before attempting to return to their village.

Kuensel learnt that the duo intended to sell the musk pods in the black market.

A forest official reported that while poachers primarily target male musk deer, their traps often ensnare female and juvenile deer as well.

The musk deer, an endangered species, is protected under Schedule I of the Forest and Nature Conservation Rules, 2023. This list also includes other endangered species, such as the snow leopard, tiger, and takin, all of which receive the highest level of protection under the Forest and Nature Conservation Act 2023.

According to the Act, killing a wildlife species listed under Schedule I is classified as a third-degree felony, punishable by a prison term of five to nine years. Additionally, offenders must pay a compensation of Nu 100,000 for a missing musk pod.

Musk deers are frequently targeted for their valuable musk, with poachers setting snares near their habitats. Forestry officials report that these snares pose a significant threat, indiscriminately killing various forms of wildlife.

The musk deer is a small, primitive deer, roughly the size of a medium dog, with distinctive features such as large, rounded ears, an arched back, and long hind limbs. Male musk deer possess long upper canines, or tusks, and a musk gland, which is highly prized and valued as much as gold.

The musk deer is classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List. Its population has been declining due to habitat loss, poaching for their valuable musk, and other environmental pressures.

Between 2017 and September 2023, around 10 musk deers were lost to poaching in Bhutan.

The exact population of musk deer in Bhutan is unclear due to their elusive nature and habitat in remote, rugged areas.

Despite these challenges, Bhutan has made efforts to protect musk deer, listing them under Schedule I of the Forest and Nature Conservation Act of 2023, which offers stringent protection for endangered species.