Wild animals falling prey to hunters

Atmakur (Kurnool): Wild animals are venturing into human habitats as water is getting evaporated with Mercury touching 42 degrees Celsius mark in Nallamala Tiger Reserve forest area. As a result, wild animals are getting trapped in the traps laid by the hunters with water sources for the wild life is getting evaporated in the Nagaluti, Bairluti and Velugodu tiger ranges.

Highlights:

• Water filled in saucer pits gets evaporated with rise in day temperatures
• Hunters lay trap for animals near ponds and fields

Annually, the Centre releases funds from the WWF, through Forest departments in states, NTSR special fund to quench the thirst of the wild animals. Dictatorial style of functioning of two rangers, who are accused of spreading disaffection towards the Divisional Forest Officer Selvam, are paralysing the administration. As Mercury soars touching 42 degrees of Celsius mark, the wild animals are seen in fields on the outskirts of villages.

The water filled in saucer pits is getting evaporated though forest officials are filling the saucer pits and small ponds through water tankers. Solar water pumping facility is available in Pechchurvu, Damarlakunta and Naramamidi Cheruvu areas. The hunters have laid traps at other ponds. During 2011 and 2017, many tigers, leopards, bears became victims to scorching heat and to hunters’ greed.

While Selvam is ensuring availability of drinking water to wild animals by getting the saucer pits repaired and keeping a watchful eye on the movements of the hunters, lower level forest officials are not going out on the field and submitting false reports. Wild animals are sure to fall prey to the hunters’ traps and die of thirst if adequate drinking water is not provided during the next three months.

By M Sathya Peter