ELEPHANT PROTECTION IN SHETTIHALLI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
- On November 9, 2024, Environmental activists raised serious concerns over the growing threat to elephants in the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, following the death of a young male elephant.
- The elephant died from electrocution after it wandered into a cornfield in Veera Guarana Bairanakoppa on November 5, coming into contact with a live wire.
- The field, owned by a local villager, led to the booking of the landowner under the Wildlife Protection Act.
LOCATION OF SHETTIHALLI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
IS IT THE FIRST SUCH INCIDENT?
- This tragic incident is not the first of its kind.
- Just 2 years ago, two male elephants met the same accident in the same area.
- The repeated occurrence of such elephant deaths, combined with alleged lapses in the investigations, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
DEMANDS BY ACTIVISTS
- A comprehensive survey of the sanctuary’s range.
- Identification of encroached areas within the sanctuary.
- Transfer of a veterinarian from the forest department, citing concerns over current management.
- A thorough investigation into irregularities within the wildlife division.
- Restructuring of the elephant camp for better care and management.
- Proper utilization of vehicles for patrolling and monitoring the sanctuary.
- Finalization of the buffer zone to protect wildlife from human encroachment.
- Accountability for farmers who are electrifying their fields, posing a deadly risk to wildlife.
ABOUT SHETTIHALLI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY & THREATS IT FACES
- The Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1974, is one of Karnataka’s largest and most biodiverse
- It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.
- However, the sanctuary faces significant challenges from human-wildlife conflict, particularly from electrocution deaths of elephants, which endanger the survival of these species.
- The sanctuary’s wildlife is also at risk due to encroachments, where human activities increasingly threaten the natural habitats of the animals.
- Environmentalists argue that the repeated incidents, lack of proper investigation, and inadequate protective measures are putting the survival of elephants and other wildlife at significant risk.
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