The instances of animals straying into human settlements have increased in the last decade or so and conflicts arise often, because we do not know how to behave or handle the situation properly which results in chaos, according to N. Sadiq Ali, Founder of the Wildlife and Nature Conservation Trust, Ooty.
He was addressing an awareness programme on ‘Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation’ jointly organised with the Forest Department for the department staff and the general public here on Tuesday.
Mr. Sadiq said that the most prevalent species with which the man-animal conflict prevailed were monkeys and reptiles in the district.
“People are oblivious to the fact that killing snakes is punishable according to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. There are easy steps to identify whether a snake is a poisonous variety and that people should be made aware of it,” he said.
“The bite of a deadly Common Krait snake is often dismissed as an insect bite which is dangerous as it can be fatal. Likewise, the non-poisonous variety found in agricultural lands are often killed or driven out when in reality, they can help farmers protect their crops from rodents and pests,” Mr. Sadiq added.
A presentation was screened on the commonly spotted poisonous snakes which included the Russell’s viper, Indian spectacled cobra, Common Krait and Saw-scaled Viper and their characteristics.
The audience were told about the handling of a victim of snakebite who should be reassured at first, and then be rushed to the hospital where the doctor must be told the symptoms.
The members of the trust further spoke on the issue of monkeys being a botheration to the public in a few urban areas.
“People should remember not to feed the monkeys or throw food at them as this will only encourage them to stay on in those places. Littering in temples and other monuments should also be curbed as this too encourages monkeys there,” they said.
A mock drill was conducted to teach techniques with regard to the rescue and capture of monkeys and snakes.
“The equipment currently used by many forest departments is outdated and cumbersome which can hinder operations. We design modern equipment for rescue operations such as lightweight cages made of reinforced fibreglass to rescue leopards and tigers,” Mr. Sadiq said.
District Forest Officer Nihar Ranjan said such awareness was needed among the public since most accidents and fatalities during a man-animal conflict happened due to fear and lack of knowledge.
