As the summer temperature is gradually shooting up in the state, district-level forest officers have been instructed to create water-filled percolation ponds and put water tubs in place at selected places in the reserved forests to prevent animals like spotted deer from venturing out to quench thirst.
All the districts in the state have reserved forests and the past has witnessed wild animals being preyed on by poachers when they come out in search of water during summer. Wildlife experts, while attributing this to a lot of factors including deforestation, stress that forest officials should ensure there is enough water available within the forest, considering the looming danger of poaching.
KVRK Thirunaranan, founder, The Nature Trust and wildlife activist, said, “Until a few decades ago, it was uncommon to spot wild animals out of forest range even during the scorching summer. But things have changed now as is evident from the rising number of man-animal conflicts in the recent past.” Where will the animals go, if forests are converted into cultivating lands? he asked.
Perils in the past
Last year, a herd of spotted deer sprang a surprise by venturing out of forest as most of the percolation ponds had run dry. However, forest officials said that this year they had instructed district-level officers to create enough water-filled percolation ponds and put water tubs at selected places in forests.
Hand pumps to come in handy
Some forest officials also are planning to set up hand pumps and water tubs at certain places. “It has become inevitable for us to erect both bore wells and hand pumps for carrying water to some points,” said a forest official, Tiruchy district forest department, seeking anonymity. The Ranger also said they saved a thirsty deer with dog bites recently.
All the districts in the state have reserved forests and the past has witnessed wild animals being preyed on by poachers when they come out in search of water during summer. Wildlife experts, while attributing this to a lot of factors including deforestation, stress that forest officials should ensure there is enough water available within the forest, considering the looming danger of poaching.
KVRK Thirunaranan, founder, The Nature Trust and wildlife activist, said, “Until a few decades ago, it was uncommon to spot wild animals out of forest range even during the scorching summer. But things have changed now as is evident from the rising number of man-animal conflicts in the recent past.” Where will the animals go, if forests are converted into cultivating lands? he asked.
Perils in the past
Last year, a herd of spotted deer sprang a surprise by venturing out of forest as most of the percolation ponds had run dry. However, forest officials said that this year they had instructed district-level officers to create enough water-filled percolation ponds and put water tubs at selected places in forests.
Hand pumps to come in handy
Some forest officials also are planning to set up hand pumps and water tubs at certain places. “It has become inevitable for us to erect both bore wells and hand pumps for carrying water to some points,” said a forest official, Tiruchy district forest department, seeking anonymity. The Ranger also said they saved a thirsty deer with dog bites recently.