Foresters in overdrive mode to save Gir lion from anthrax
Last week's [16-22 Jun 2008] anthrax incident that took a toll of at
least 8 cattle in Bagdana village of Bhavnagar district has put the
forest officials on a high alert, forcing them to take preventive
measures to protect the Asiatic Gir lion from the dreaded cattle
disease.
In a related development, the state Animal Husbandry Department has
requisitioned 1500 doses of anti-anthrax vaccine that are being
dispatched to Bagdana village where veterinary doctors attached to
the epidemic cell of the department have launched a concerted drive
to quarantine the cattle. Last week, anthrax claimed the lives of 5
cows and 3 buffaloes in the village. "Following the outbreak of
anthrax in Bagdana, we have started taking several preventive
measures in the vicinity of the affected villages to protect the
Asiatic lion. Water holes are being disinfected, the grazing areas
are being burnt to drive away the Big Cats from the disease-hit
areas," PCCF (Wildlife) Pradeep Khanna told The Indian Express on
Thursday [19 Jun 2008].
Khanna said his department had also formed several teams comprising
foresters, beat guards, and officers that have fanned out in the
nearby Gebar forest areas to monitor the movement of Gir lions and
other wildlife. Local villagers are also assisting these teams to
take preventive measures initiated by the forest department. "We have
to ensure that lions do not occupy the peripheral region surrounding
the anthrax-hit village," he said, adding that wild animals were
often found occupying the grasslands in Palitana and Mahuva talukas
of Bhavnagar in search of prey.
Conservator of Forest (Junagadh Circle) MM Sharma said on phone that
the teams formed by the department have been constantly tracking the
Asiatic lions in the region to keep away the animals from the
vicinity of anthrax-hit villages. "At present, the lions occupy areas
12 km (7.5 mi) from Bagdana. We have to also ensure that the Big Cats
do not prey on local cattle or feed on carcass," said the forest
official.
As per the latest census, the total population of Asiatic lions is
pegged at 359. They are usually found occupying the forest area (Gir)
of Junagadh, Amreli, and Bhavnagar districts. Besides, there is large
population of other wild animals like leopards, jungle cats, blue
bulls, and jackals in these forest areas. "The Bagdana village is
about 200 km (124 mi) from the world famous Gir Wildlife Sanctuary,
and anthrax is localized. So, there is a remote possibility of the
fatal cattle disease hitting the lions in the sanctuary. However, we
are not taking any chances in the forest area of Bhavnagar district
where Bagdana is located," said the wildlife official.
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Last week's [16-22 Jun 2008] anthrax incident that took a toll of at
least 8 cattle in Bagdana village of Bhavnagar district has put the
forest officials on a high alert, forcing them to take preventive
measures to protect the Asiatic Gir lion from the dreaded cattle
disease.
In a related development, the state Animal Husbandry Department has
requisitioned 1500 doses of anti-anthrax vaccine that are being
dispatched to Bagdana village where veterinary doctors attached to
the epidemic cell of the department have launched a concerted drive
to quarantine the cattle. Last week, anthrax claimed the lives of 5
cows and 3 buffaloes in the village. "Following the outbreak of
anthrax in Bagdana, we have started taking several preventive
measures in the vicinity of the affected villages to protect the
Asiatic lion. Water holes are being disinfected, the grazing areas
are being burnt to drive away the Big Cats from the disease-hit
areas," PCCF (Wildlife) Pradeep Khanna told The Indian Express on
Thursday [19 Jun 2008].
Khanna said his department had also formed several teams comprising
foresters, beat guards, and officers that have fanned out in the
nearby Gebar forest areas to monitor the movement of Gir lions and
other wildlife. Local villagers are also assisting these teams to
take preventive measures initiated by the forest department. "We have
to ensure that lions do not occupy the peripheral region surrounding
the anthrax-hit village," he said, adding that wild animals were
often found occupying the grasslands in Palitana and Mahuva talukas
of Bhavnagar in search of prey.
Conservator of Forest (Junagadh Circle) MM Sharma said on phone that
the teams formed by the department have been constantly tracking the
Asiatic lions in the region to keep away the animals from the
vicinity of anthrax-hit villages. "At present, the lions occupy areas
12 km (7.5 mi) from Bagdana. We have to also ensure that the Big Cats
do not prey on local cattle or feed on carcass," said the forest
official.
As per the latest census, the total population of Asiatic lions is
pegged at 359. They are usually found occupying the forest area (Gir)
of Junagadh, Amreli, and Bhavnagar districts. Besides, there is large
population of other wild animals like leopards, jungle cats, blue
bulls, and jackals in these forest areas. "The Bagdana village is
about 200 km (124 mi) from the world famous Gir Wildlife Sanctuary,
and anthrax is localized. So, there is a remote possibility of the
fatal cattle disease hitting the lions in the sanctuary. However, we
are not taking any chances in the forest area of Bhavnagar district
where Bagdana is located," said the wildlife official.
--
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
http://www.promedmail.org/pls/otn/f..._BACK_PAGE,F2400_P1001_PUB_MAIL_ID:1000,72914