Environmentalists have called on the Department of Wildlife Conservation to immediately investigate alleged irregularities and suspected poaching incidents inside Kumana National Park.
According to concerns raised by visitors, several gunshots were reportedly heard on the night of February 6 from areas near campsite grounds within the park. The following morning, safari tourists claimed they saw two deer that had allegedly been shot and butchered near an internal access road.
Wildlife advocates described the incident as unprecedented within the protected area and warned that weaknesses in park administration may be enabling illegal activities. They alleged that adequate preventive measures have not been taken despite the seriousness of the situation.
In a separate incident on February 13, visitors reported seeing heavy smoke rising during daytime hours from the vicinity of the Bowatta Galge area, raising further concerns.
Sources said a group of foreign tourists cut short their safari after witnessing the animal carcasses.
Environmental groups cautioned that continued irregularities could undermine wildlife conservation efforts and damage the park’s reputation as a key eco-tourism destination. They urged the Department of Wildlife Conservation to launch an urgent probe, strengthen patrols, and enforce stricter measures to safeguard wildlife within the park.
