Barmer, Feb. 3 -- The Forest department in Barmer district have seized iron wire traps and recovered bones of suspected protected species in Khejdiyali village under Thumbli Gram Panchayat in the Sheo area, uncovering a case of illegal wildlife poaching, officials said. Preliminary investigations suggest that protected species such as chinkara (Indian gazelle), rabbit, and wild boar may have been hunted illegally. The matter came to notice on Sunday, February 1, when Bhanwarlal Bhadu, district president of the Jambheshwar Wildlife and Environment Organisation, suspected poaching and informed district forest officer (DFO) Savita Dahia. Acting on her directions, a flying squad led by Sheo range officer Narpatsingh rushed to the site. On spotting the forest team, some people at the location fled. The squad then conducted searches and questioning in nearby houses and huts, recovering more than four iron wire traps-locally known as "kud"-near field fences and bushes. "Once an animal is trapped, it struggles to escape, causing the wire to tighten further around its neck. The animal eventually dies from suffocation after prolonged suffering," said an official. Further searches revealed blood-soaked soil in fields and surrounding areas, indicating the animals were slaughtered on site. Suspecting hidden remains, the team dug pits at several places and recovered wild animal bones. Confirming the incident, DFO Savita Dahia stated that upon receiving information, the team immediately reached the site. "Iron wire traps were found near the fields, and bones were recovered during the inspection of some houses," she said. "The hunting of chinkara, rabbit, and wild boar is suspected. Further investigation is underway." Forest officials including ranger Narpatsingh, ranger Jagdish Vishnoi, guards Chimni Sharma, Chhagni Choudhary, Prakash Kochar, and flying squad members took part in the operation....