Date:29/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/29/stories/2005072901090200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Panther census mooted

Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR: Forest Department has decided to conduct a training camp for its personnel for creating awareness among them on conserving the wildlife, as incidents of wild animals, particularly the carnivores, falling prey to human beings are increasing in the district in the recent months. Two panthers were killed and two others were caught alive in April-May this year in the district. One of the two panthers caught alive, which was rescued by the Forest Department, after it was caught in a trap laid by poachers, died in captivity at Tirupati zoo after it was shifted there.

It is learnt that exhaustion due to lack of food and water for long hours and an over dose of tranquilliser led to the death of wildcat. The Conservator of Forests, Anantapur, is organising the training camps at Anantapur on August 5 and at Chittoor on August 6. The forest personnel will also be imparted knowledge on the Wild Life Act during the training.

As per 2002 census, there were 13 panthers in the district. But, the strength is stated to have improved due to strengthening of the biological pyramid. A fresh census will be taken up in December this year along with the tiger census conducted in the country. Conservator of Forests (Anantapur) P. Bhaskar Reddy said that they would concentrate in areas where the panther's movement was noticed during the last six months.

At least three personnel each in Anantapur and Chittoor west forest divisions would be trained in using tranquiliser on the wild animals.