Nilgai dies trying to escape capture by Thakurgaon villagers

Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) male. Charles J. Sharp. Creative Commons.

Thakurgaon, 03 Jul – A nilgai, the largest Asian antelope that was thought to be extinct in Bangladesh, was killed Friday while trying to escaping from villagers in Dharmagarh Muktar Basti area of Thakurgaon’s Ranishankail Upazila.
Locals identified a nilgai in the area and tried to capture it. They chased it through the village.
At one point the nilgai jumped through the window of an under-construction house where it fell unconscious and soon died.
According to the locals, the nilgai had been seen roaming in the area for several days.
It was given first aid by the local veterinarian but it did not survive.
Upon information, acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Pritam Saha went to the spot.
He said the nilgai probably had a panic attack after being chased and died.
“We will talk to the Upazila Livestock and Forestry Department and take necessary legal steps. An autopsy will be done if necessary," he said.
In February, the BGB rescued an injured nilgai from the villagers who had captured it and was preparing to slaughter for its meat in the Baliadangi Upazila.
BGB members rescued the nilgai and took it to Kantivita camp where the veterinary surgeon provided the necessary treatment.
Besides, in September 2016, a nilgai was rescued from the side of Jaduar village in Ranishankail Upazila of Thakurgaon. Local fishermen saw the nilgai along the Kulik River near the Indian border and captured it.
The local administration, in collaboration with the forest department officials, rescued the nilgai and took it to Ramsagar National Park in Dinajpur. - UNB