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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Rise in tiger attacks on cattle in B R Hills - Indian Express

MYSORE: The increase in tiger attacks on cattle in residential areas has worried public in Biligiriranaga Betta (B R Hills). Tigers that entered PWD guest house premises, Sericulture department offices, Raghavendra Mutt and bus stand have injured cows, forcing people to stay doors.The movements of an aged tiger hunting cattle for its survival is frequently seen in the last 15 days. A tiger has attacked two cows grazing in sericulture office premises on Tuesday. However, the cattle were rescued from the public and its owner who raised an alarm scare the tiger.An increase in the attacks on cattle and people has created panic among the public. The felling of trees in revenue land to construct resorts destroying vegetation has forced wild animals to enter residential areas. The Forest Department has not restricted the development activities or construction of resorts as it falls under revenue land.Meanwhile, reports say that about 80 cows and calves have been attacked and killed by tigers and leopards in the fringe of the forest in recent months. The residents have not shown interest in claiming compensation accusing that the Forest Department pays `3,000 as against the actual value of `12,000 on the death of a cow. The cattle owners are forced to run from pillar to post to get their compensation. Meanwhile, RFO Nagraj said that they have received complaints of tigers sighted in residential areas. He said that they have taken initiatives to chase away tigers into the forest and ensure safety of the public.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rise-in-tiger-attacks-on-cattle-in-b-r-hills/161945-60-115.html

Tiger's death due to ‘strangulation'

The tiger that was found dead at the Metikuppe range of Nagarahole National Park is suspected to have been caught in a snare.

The four-year-old tiger, which was found on Monday, reportedly had strangulation marks on its neck. Its injuries suggested that it had tried to wriggle out of the trap.

Sources said Forest Department officials agreed that death could be due to strangulation, but were unconvinced that it was a case of poaching. They said snares were laid for wild boars.

Meanwhile, wildlife activists allege that this line of argument would only suppress the figures on tiger deaths. It was well known that a metal snare could trap any wild animal, they pointed out. Besides, the carcass was found far from agricultural fields, near the forest, indicating that it was a trap set by poachers, they said.

The sources said the snares believed to have trapped the animal could not be found.

The incident has raised fresh concern about the presence of poachers in the Bandipur and Nagarahole national parks.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article2126600.ece