HYDERABAD: There has been an increase in the incidence of wild animals foraying into human habitats in the last few years because of deforestation and decrease in water and other food sources in the forest.As per the Forest Survey of India 2011, India lost 367 sq km of forest cover between 2009 and 2011, with Andhra Pradesh alone accounting for 281 sq km.There have been any number of elephants, leopards, bears and other wild animals finding their way into populated areas across the state.While pockets of Rayalaseema are plagued by elephants destroying crops, wild cats are frequent visitors to the outskirts colonies of Visakhapatnam.On many occasions, leopard sighting has spread panic among trekkers to Tirumala.As many as 15 wild animals, including five panthers and three bears which entered human habitations, were trapped and returned to the forest 2010-11 alone, while the corresponding figures were 18 in 2009-10 and 15 in 2008-2009. Add to this the animals killed by panicstricken people. At present, the reserved forest area in state is 50,479 sq km, protected forests 12,365 sq km and unclassified forests 970 sq km.The total forest area is 63,814 sq km, which is almost 23 percent of the total geographical area. A major reason for the loss of forest cover is said to be Maoists felling trees in Warangal and Khammam. According to A Shankaran, deputy conservator of forests, the state forest department has identified 107 interior forest areas for an action plan to protect forests and wildlife.Trained staff would be posted in forests with adequate transport facilities and equipment to protect forest cover and wild animals. The department will get funds for the project from the Central government’s Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority.From this year, 55 mobile teams, each consisting of four members and a section officer, with jeeps, will be deputed to forests near national animal reserve areas, sanctuaries and parks. About 300 Chenchu tribesmen will be hired to help the teams in their task Shankaran said.The forest department also has plans to set up 94 new checkposts to stop wild birds, mammals and reptiles being smuggled out of the state. People can call on toll-free number 1800455364 to pass on information or lodge a complaint concerning animal smuggling.Special teams to rescue animalsHYDERABAD: The forests department will focus, from this year, on the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam and Kawal tiger reserves and other forest areas where animals are coming out due to deforestation and straying into villages, said P Mallikarjuna Rao, state zoological parks director. Special teams will rescue animals from people and release them back in the forests.The number of animal rescue vans will be increased from six to 12 before March next year. “We plan to have as many as 25 animal rescue vans,” he said.The decision was taken after recent deaths of wild animals due to accidents or at the hand of villagers when they stray out of their natural habitats.“Every animal-rescue van will have a six-member team, a stretcher, four cotton nets, two rope ladders, an attachable ladder, transport cage, hydraulic lift, heating device and oxygen cylinders,” says M Raja Ramana Reddy of the anti-poaching squad. “The rescue team will be accompanied by a veterinary doctor, two assistant vets, two forest range officers and a zoo official,” he said.
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