Aparna Banerji
Jalandhar, October 29
In what could also be a trigger for concern for the Punjab wildlife authorities, the Shivalik foothills are witnessing an increase in circumstances of feral canine assaults on wild animals in forest areas of the state.
Official information counsel greater than 20 sambars and nilgais have been devoured by feral dogs at a number of locations throughout the state’s forest areas up to now practically six months. Even extra alarming is the excessive incidence of deadly assaults on smaller wild animals reminiscent of mongoose, golden jackal, peacock and partridge within the forest vary areas in addition to foothills. These circumstances typically go unreported.
Highly unlikely, will look into subject
It is extremely unlikely for stray dogs to attack wildlife. None of our groups has reported such incidents. However, we’ll look into it. Dharmendra Sharma, Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab
Around 130 km space of the Shivalik vary falls in Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Ropar districts of the state.
A senior wildlife officer says sighting of animals reminiscent of golden jackal and monitor lizard, which was fairly widespread within the Shivalik foothills until round 20 years in the past, has change into so uncommon now that conservators worry these could also be on the verge of extinction.
Coupled with the risk posed by enlargement of human habitation and poaching, rise in feral canine inhabitants within the wild is inflicting an enormous loss to already depleted wildlife right here, he says. Varinder Singh, a serving police officer (ASI) and conservationist who makes common forays into the forests between Talwara and Mukerian, says: “I have been witness to dog attacks on mongoose, monitor lizard and small Indian civet. Sambar, nilgai, wild cat, barn owl, wild hare are also being hounded. I once tried chasing away a dog to save a mongoose but to no avail. Hearing of golden jackal howl at night is a rare occurrence in areas abutting foothills these days.”
He provides: “At least 20 human sightings of dog attack on wildlife have been reported in Talwara/Mukerian forests area alone in the past six months.” Terming such assaults a uncommon prevalence, Dharmendra Sharma, Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab, says: “It is highly unlikely for stray dogs to attack wildlife. Stray dogs attacking mongoose or some other large animals is unheard of. None of our teams has reported such incidents. However, we will look into it.”
20 sambars, nilgais killed in 6 months
- More than 20 sambars and nilgais have been killed by feral dogs in Punjab’s forest areas up to now six months
- Fatal assaults on smaller animals reminiscent of mongoose, golden jackal, peacock, partridge typically go unreported
- 130 km of the Shivalik vary falls in Hoshiarpur, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Ropar districts
