Forest fires destroy 300 acres in Bandipur, Nagarahole reserves

Forest fires destroy 300 acres in Bandipur, Nagarahole reserves

21 February 2016

India– Summary: We’re probing the incident,” he said.The Cauvery wildlife sanctuary in Kollegal has recorded the presence of blackbuck for the first time. Mysuru: Two separate forest fires destroyed at least 300 acres of wooded area in Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves.In both cases, the forest department suspects sabotage but no arrests have been made. “This is the first sighting of the blackbuck in the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary,” he said.It was noticed by field staff during patrolling last week. A five-year study by tiger experts indicated that the Male Mahadeshwara wildlife sanctuary, along with the adjoining Cauvery wildlife sanctuary, has the potential to house tigers. According to Cauvery wildlife division DCF P Ramesh Kumar, the blackbuck, also called the Indian antelope (Antelope cervicapra) was sighted at Mambetta reserve forest in Hanur wildlife range.

Mysuru: Two separate forest fires destroyed at least 300 acres of wooded area in Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves.In both cases, the forest department suspects sabotage but no arrests have been made. It registered cases against unknown persons even as it focuses on tackling forest fires ahead of summer.Undergrowth in at least 250 acres has been destroyed in the Moleyur range in Bandipur. The fire was noticed at Kanthanahaadi and Kattepura in HD Kote in Mysuru district.

It destroyed 250 acres but a survey is on to ascertain the exact area burnt down, a senior official said. It’s 20km from HD Kote. The fire was contained on Saturday.”The undergrowth has been destroyed and it’s an intentional fire,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told STOI.

21. February 2016/by GFMCadmin