Forest dept launches gaur relocation operation

Chikkamagaluru: The forest department is set to launch a gaur relocation operation in Chikkamagaluru to mitigate man-animal conflict. The department has formed a special team for the operation, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state. With the Indian gaur population rising in the district, a team led by the chief conservator of forests (Chikkamagaluru Circle) Yashpal Kshirsagar was trained to safely capture and relocate the animals.The move is aimed at reducing encounters between gaurs and humans in vulnerable zones. The problem is rampant in Kalasa, Balehonnour, Sringeri and Koppa taluks. A total of five people have died in Kalasa Range and 22 were injured in Koppa division in the past five years, according to foresters.As per the directions of PCCF (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, who visited Koppa division recently, the operation will be conducted as a pilot project. The CCF has visited several places in Koppa Division on Wednesday to identify the suitable location to rescue bison. However, the location will be finalised after discussion and the rescue operation will be conducted on a suitable day, the CCF said.Although the operation is challenging and needs severe efforts, it will be carried out with utmost care and concern to ensure the safety of both, bison as well as the forester, the CCF said.The officer also said that the team of experts, including himself, deputy conservator of forests (Koppa), DCF (Bhadra wildlife), dean of veterinary college, Shivamogga and four experienced veterinarians, will be part of the rescue operation.According to Yashpal Kshirsagar, the operation is not an easy task. A veterinarian was severely injured during transportation of the animals after it was tranquillised in Madhya Pradesh. "The doctor was holding the animal's head during the transit. The bison, which weighed 800 kilos, shook its head and severely injured the vet, who was treated in ICU," the officer explained.However, the locals welcomed the move and urged the officials to ensure safety of the animals. "Bison are part of our region but now they are overpopulated. Now, the officials have taken a good move," said Deepak, a planter in Koppa. He had suffered badly from a bison as one of his plantation workers was severely injured in the attack a year ago.