The Hindu : National : Whitaker’s research project cleared by Forest Department

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Whitaker’s research project cleared by Forest Department

Pramod Mellegatti

SHIMOGA: The Principal Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden has permitted noted herpetologist Romulus Whitaker and his team to carry out telemetric tracking studies on rat snakes and king cobras. They have also been allowed documentation through photography or videography up to February 28, 2009, in the protected areas and reserve forests at Agumbe in Shimoga district, Someshwara in Udupi and Sringeri and Koppa in Chikmagalur district. This will be subject to certain terms and conditions.

Mr. Whitaker, founder of the Snake Park and Crocodile Bank in Chennai, along with his associates, started a five-year research project on the king cobras — the largest of India’s venomous snakes — in mid-2005, and following this entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Karnataka Forest Department for taking up the king cobra telemetry project. But, the Forest Department withdrew permission for the project last year following the request by MP Maneka Gandhi that an inquiry be made into the allegations against Mr. Whitaker of having misused funds and indulged in the capture of king cobras for extraction and export of venom.

Inquiry

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) had asked the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Shimoga Division, Millo Tago, to conduct an inquiry. The recent order permitting him to continue the study says that his methodology will not have an adverse effect on snakes.

The terms and conditions laid for the pilot study on telemetric tracking of rat snakes and king cobras include the following: no damage should be done to the flora and fauna of the sanctuary/national park, no disturbance or damage is to be caused to the wildlife and its habitat, the research studies should be carried out under the strict supervision of an officer not below the rank of a Range Forest Officer, use of electricity and fire and inflammatory materials are strictly prohibited in sanctuaries and national parks.

Mr. Tago said that he had obtained a statement from Mr. Whitaker contesting allegations made against him.

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