The Hindu : Front Page : Forest Department launches drive to remove snares

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Forest Department launches drive to remove snares

S. Ramesh

PHOTO:M. GOVARTHAN

Awareness:Forest personnel along with students and members of non-governmental organisations checking for snares laid to trap wild animals at Bhavanisagar range in Sathyamangalam division on Wednesday. —

SATHYAMANGALAM: In a bid to protect wild animals and promote awareness among the younger generation on wildlife conservation, the Forest Department launched a drive to remove the snares laid to trap animals in the Bhavanisagar forest range in Sathyamangalam division on Wednesday.

The department roped in 57 students of Kaamadhenu Arts and Science College and wildlife enthusiasts for the initiative. Grouped under five teams, students and wildlife enthusiasts along with forest personnel combed a large area coming under the Bhavanisagar forest range that includes Vilamundi, Kothamangalam, Thengumarahada, Gajalatti and Peerkadavu beats. Special attention was given to the areas that were located very close to the human settlements.

“We have not found any snares during the day-long drive. But it has helped immensely to convey the message to the people, including the villagers, living in the hamlets coming under the Bhavanisagar forest range on wildlife protection,” District Forest Officer N. Satheesh told The Hindu.

The drive was primarily aimed at dissuading people from laying snares to hunt wild animals and encourage them to develop a better understanding with the Nature, he added.

Forest officials said that snares were usually laid on regular paths that animals were known to frequent. Though they were meant to trap small animals, there were possibilities of animals, including leopards, being trapped and killed as a result.

“Snares are a serious problem in the forests and are very difficult to spot. Foot patrolling is crucial to detect snares and other illegal activities. We have plans to conduct similar drives at frequent intervals,” Mr. Satheesh said.

Forest Ranger (Bhavanisagar) K. Sadhasivam and senior forest officials led the teams along with Mr. Satheesh.

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