Forest Watcher Injured in Bear Attack During Tiger Census Operations
In a concerning incident during the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation exercise, a forest watcher was attacked by a bear in the Amrabad Tiger Reserve on Sunday, according to forest department officials. The attack occurred while the watcher was on duty as part of the crucial tiger census operations.
Details of the Bear Attack Incident
The injured watcher has been identified as Uduthanuri Sailu, a resident of Kollam Penta village. He was performing his duties in the Turkapalli forest beat of Amrabad mandal when the bear suddenly attacked him. Forest officials reported that Sailu sustained minor injuries to his hands while attempting to escape from the animal.
Forest Range Officer Veeresham provided details about the immediate response: "Sailu was promptly shifted in a forest department vehicle to the Amrabad government hospital, where he received first aid treatment and an anti-rabies vaccine. There is no danger to his life. He suffered an injury to the thumb."
Second Incident During Tiger Estimation Exercise
This bear attack comes just days after another tragic incident during the same tiger census operation. On January 20, Dasari Srinivas, a 24-year-old forest watcher, collapsed during a morning transect walk near Mannanur village. This occurred on the second day of the census exercise.
Colleagues immediately rushed Srinivas to a primary health centre in Mannanur and subsequently to the Achampet government hospital. Unfortunately, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Forest department officials confirmed that he died of cardiac arrest and was survived by his wife and three children. The department has stated that ex gratia compensation will be provided to his family as per established rules and regulations.
Additional Bear Encounter Reported
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests C Suvarna revealed that another bear attack occurred in the same reserved forest area. In Danthepally village, a sloth bear attacked N Siddaiah, son of Yellaiah, who is a resident of the village.
Suvarna provided further context: "The watcher is alright. Elsewhere, a bear attacked a villager who entered the forest alone, and he escaped with minor injuries as he was carrying a stick." This additional incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the region, particularly during intensive forest survey operations like the tiger census.
Context of Tiger Census Operations
The All India Tiger Estimation is a comprehensive nationwide exercise conducted periodically to assess tiger populations and their habitats. Forest watchers and officials undertake extensive transect walks and field observations across protected areas, often working in challenging and potentially dangerous conditions.
These recent incidents underscore the risks faced by forest personnel during such conservation activities. While the primary focus remains on wildlife protection and population assessment, the safety of field staff remains a critical concern that requires continuous attention and precautionary measures.
The Amrabad Tiger Reserve, located in Telangana, represents an important habitat for both tigers and other wildlife species, including bears. These incidents highlight the complex dynamics of conservation work where human presence in forest areas sometimes leads to unexpected encounters with wildlife.
