This story is from June 6, 2020

Explosive laced traps to fend off wild boars common in Karnataka too

Explosive laced traps to fend off wild boars common in Karnataka too
MANGALURU: The death of a pregnant elephant in Kerala has brought to light fresh scrutiny of the method of using explosive-laced traps to get rid of wild boars, a practice that is common in Karnataka for decades.
Dr Shantanu Kalambi, veterinarian and co-founder, The Woof Wagon, a vet clinic and pet resort said, “What people don’t seem to be aware of is this is an extremely regular occurrence, done to kill or maim deer and wild boar, especially in places with high human-animal conflict and crop depredation.
We have had cases of wild boar dying of starvation and infections after surviving baited explosive traps all over the country. And this happens a lot more in areas where certain conflict causing species are declared as vermin.”
He said, many incidents of animals falling prey to explosive traps go unreported, undocumented and it is also impossible for the forest department to monitor the same. About four years ago, 121 snares were dismantled in a single day by the State’s forest department around the Nagarahole National Park boundary.
“When you brand any wild species as vermin, you have other species die in the crossfire. For example, owls are on the decline most likely due to rodenticide poisoning or being caught in traps that have been set out to kill rodents. We need environmental assessment systems and policies that try to collate all possible points of view, including social issues that may result as a consequence,” said Dr Shantanu.
Farmers often set up snares or barbed wires around agricultural fields to prevent animals such as wild boars from raiding their crops. Unfortunately, bigger animals such as sloth bears, and leopards also end up falling victim to these deadly traps.
Petition demanding ban of explosives
Wildlife SOS has launched a petition demanding ban on the sale and procurement of locally made explosives or country made bombs. Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS, told TOI, “Using an explosive to kill an animal is commonly used method by poachers and locals. Sadly, the poachers use crop control as an excuse for setting these baited traps and often combine them with snares. Police book such people. This will certainly help curtail such brutal poaching,” he added.
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About the Author
Deepthi Sanjiv

Deputy Chief of Bureau at TOI, Mangaluru. Writes on crime, environment, health, politics, education, civic issues, art & culture and human interest stories.

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