Gangs poaching wild animals using jaw-traps appear to have become active. A leopard was found caught in a jaw-trap at a farm in Hagaranahalli village off Mysuru-Hunsur Road, about 4 km from Arabitttu Forest in Hunsur taluk.
The animal was rescued by the forest authorities on Sunday.
The female leopard did not suffer serious injury and was released into Nagarahole forest the same evening.
Deputy Conservator of Forest Balachandra told The Hindu that a farmer had noticed the leopard with its left paw caught in the jaw-trap at 5.30 a.m. He informed the villagers who in turn alerted Mr. Balachandra. A team of 15 personnel, led by him and supported by Assistant Conservator of Forest Prasanna Kumar, rushed to the spot, tranquillised the animal, and freed it from the trap.
It was put in a cage and transported to Kalbetta for a detailed examination. Forest veterinarian Umashankar treated the animal. The decision to release the animal into Nagarahole was taken upon consulting senior forest officers.
Alert sounded
Suspecting that an inter-State gang could be operating in the area following the disclosure of the jaw-trap, the Forest Department is on high alert. The authorities of nearby forest divisions, including Nagarahole and Bandipur National Parks, had been alerted.
Combing operations
Surveillance had been stepped up at Nagarahole National Park, one of the key habitats for tigers, following the incident. Director R. Gokul said that patrolling had been stepped up in the park following detection of the trap. “Combing operations had commenced to check the presence of jaw traps laid by poachers. No traps were found during the search operations on Monday,” he said.
Surveillance has been beefed up as a precautionary measure, he said.
Mr. Balachandra said the Forest Cell had also been alerted. “Some wildlife experts will visit Hunsur on Tuesday.”
