By Abhishek Narayanan | Officer in Charge
The Bandipur National Park is situated at the confluence of Western and Eastern Ghats in Karnataka in Southern India, serving as a central link in the seasonal migration of Elephants from Mudumalai National Park and Satyamangalam Forest Division in the east and south east to Nagarahole National Park and Wynad Sanctuary in the west and North West. The Park is a significant component of the 5500 sq.km ‘Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve’ which is one of the largest conservation areas in India. A large population of elephants is found here along with seven large ungulate species and three large predatory carnivores – tigers, leopards and dholes.
For the first time, Bandipur Tiger Reserve will have a dedicated mobile unit manned by trained veterinarian and caretaker to attend to wildlife emergencies reported from the region. The main objective of the MVS unit is to return every displaced animal to the wild while following the IUCN guidelines on translocation and placement of confiscated animals.
he MVS clinics function under the concept that animals estranged from their natural habitat, either due to human interference or by accident, must be given every chance to return to their natural habitat. The major methods of operation of the MVS unit in a project area are:
1. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
2. Human-Wildlife conflict mitigation
3. Immunization of livestock around protected areas
4. Captive elephant care
5. Disease investigation, surveillance and control
A. Wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conflict mitigation
The MVS team was called to several cases of leopard and tiger attacks where cattle had been attacked and killed. Many cases were reported in the Hediyala and Omkara range and in one case, a tiger was seen attacking a cow. A large mob surrounded a lantana thicket in which the tiger was hiding and after an individual threw a stone at the tiger, the tiger rushed out and attacked a man, causing severe injuries to his rear end and thighs. The mob became violent and chased the tiger back into the forest. The MVS team assisted in coordinating the arrival of police to handle the mob situation and helped with the placement of camera traps in the area.
Three cases of leopard bites on cattle were reported in the Kundkere range. All the animals were treated and are in good health.
In the last week of November, the MVS unit was called in to attend to a case in which a tiger had killed a man and carried his body into the forest to eat. A massive operation was launched in which the MVS veterinarian assisted the Forest Department in an attempt to capture the animal. Members of the MVS team assisted significantly in the control of the mob. In one case, the mob was dispersed as the MVS Veterinarian had treated several animals in the village from which the miscreants were. Upon recognizing the vet, members of the mob stopped the situation from escalating and helped disperse the rest of the crowd. Unfortunately on the final day of the operation, the tiger was killed with a shot to the head after it attacked a forest guard. A post- mortem was conducted the following day which confirmed the tiger was indeed the same one that killed the man.
B. Disease investigation
A few more Foot and Mouth Disease cases were reported in the Hediyala Range for which treatment was administered to the cattle affected. It is of note that these cases occurred in the same range in which the tiger was killing cattle and people and further study is required to conclude a positive link between the two issues.
In the Nagerhole Forest, a tiger was found in a severely debilitated condition by a patrol. The tiger was unable to move and was tranquilized and transported to the Mysore Zoo. The MVS Veterinarian assisted the Zoo Veterinarians in conducting a postmortem. The PM revealed several issues with the tiger which included lung flukes, intestinal parasites, pericarditis and pleuritis along with hemorrhagic lesions in the lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys and intestines.
The postmortem of the tiger killed in Hediyala too showed several lesions on the liver and intestines indicative of parasitism. Additionally, samples were collected and sent for analysis to detect rabies and the presence of Canine Distemper, a disease carried and spread by feral dogs.
C. Captive elephant care
The MVS Veterinarian in coordination with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) carried out a second detailed investigation in response to the initial report sent. A committee was formed by the AWBI under instruction from a Supreme Court Panel to investigate the elephants health and well-being. One elephant was deemed severely unwell and was given treatment. Unfortunately, during the time the MVS veterinarian was attending the tiger incident in Hediyala, the elephant fell over and died. An external veterinarian tried to attend to the ailing elephant but was not allowed to administer any treatment by the owner and mahouts. Following the death of the animal, the PCCF, Karnataka gave orders to seize the surviving animals which were sent to the Doddaharave Camp for rehabilitation and care. The MVS Veterinarian will continue to offer treatment to the elephants on an on call basis.
Following the Dussehra celebrations, one elephant, 'Chaitra', delivered a premature calf after being transported back to Bandipur. The MVS veterinarian has checked the calf and is currently observing the calf in case any health issues arise.
D. Awareness and training programs
The MVS team has visited and treated several animals in peripheral villages around Bandipur and Nagerhole. Awareness has been raised and panchayat members have been recruited in an attempt to assist mob control should it arise during a conflict situation.
Following the Hediyala tiger incident, it was determined that the Forest Department staff were not trained and capable to handle basic first aid. The MVS Veterinarian will conduct a short first aid course in coordination with St. Johns Ambulance First Aid Training program to ensure every member of the Bandipur FD Staff is sufficiently qualified to administer first aid in an emergency situation
E. Plan for next month
The MVS Team will continue to attend to wild animal and livestock cases in and around the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and carry out awareness campaigns in areas of high human-animal conflict.
By Abhishek Narayanan | Officer in Charge
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