Karnataka - Mysore   

Poachers on the prowl near Ranganathittu

Special Correspondent

ENSNARED: A spoonbill caught in a trap. — By Special Arrangement

MYSORE: It has been found that winged beauties at the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary are falling prey to poachers. Birds in the sanctuary are protected, but those that fly away in search of food are targeted. Many birds are maimed.

This came to light recently when avid bird-watcher and amateur photographer Lokesh Mosale of Mysore visited Ranganathittu one morning and found two painted storks bleeding and in agony. He thought that they were injured in a fight to establish control over their habitat. But within minutes, he came across two spoonbills caught in traps laid by poachers. During the course of the day, Mr. Mosala found many other birds which had fallen prey to poachers. He took photographs and showed them to presspersons here on Friday. The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located near Srirangapatana in Mandya district and is a "must-see" spot in the tourists' itinerary. Located 16 km from Mysore and 5 km from Srirangapatana off the Bangalore-Mysore highway, six riverine islets were accorded the status of a bird sanctuary on an appeal by late Salim Ali.

Nestled amidst the river Cauvery, Ranganthittu is spread over 67 sq.km. The six islets are a haven for migratory birds from all over the world. The river tern, egret, open bill storks, heron, stone plover and Indian darter are common.

The sanctuary is managed by Forest Department staff, and birds that roost here are protected. However, those that fly away are hunted by poachers and members of nomadic tribal communities looking for food. Mr. Mosale, who discussed the issue with local officials, was told that the Hakki-Pikki community might have been involved.

Birds in Ranganathittu are disturbed by encroachments on the periphery of the sanctuary. Recently, farm waste was set on fire in fields near the sanctuary, and smoke affected them.

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