KALPETTA: Wildlife experts and Greens have called for setting up green enclosures for big cats which are trapped when they pose a threat to human life. This is in the context of the increasing human-animal conflict in the region forcing the forest department to trap more tigers. In the last six months, the department had trapped ten tigers from various parts of the district. The number of problem animals and animals in conflict with the jungle has increased as per reports.
The wildlife enthusiasts say that a wildlife caring enclosure should be set up in Wayanad where the animals can be detained in their own habitat instead of shifting them to zoos or other alien spots.
Wildlife expert Dr George Chandy told DC that such a facility was needed for the treatment and rehabilitation of animals. "Now the trend is to take a tiger or leopard to the traditional zoos," he added. "But as the conflict is intensifying it is better to develop wildlife enclosures in each ecologically important district," he said.
The shifting of Kallur Komban, a truant elephant from Wayanad to Parambikulam, had triggered a row recently with wildlife enthusiasts protesting against its transport after it was administered heavy dosage of tranquilisers. Farmers in Parambikulam also had staged widespread protests.
Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithy president N. Badusha told DC that the department should retain the aged, unhealthy and problem animals in Wayanad itself and save them. "Many animals shifted to other geographical regions were killed in a short period of time," he added. "The animals could be treated in an animal- friendly space," Mr Badusha added.
In Wayanad, semi-wild areas with low bio-density are available where such enclosures could be developed. Bennarghetta National Park model in Bengaluru could be replicated for which some 100 acres of land would be enough.
However, the forest department is sceptical about the project citing that it would increase the possibility of spreading diseases and also the clashes between the animals.
