(IN): Feral dogs pose threat to wild animals in Sikkim

[Guest guest]

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Flora--Fauna/Feral-dogs-pose-threat-to-wild-\

animals-in-Sikkim/articleshow/4628279.cms

 

Feral dogs pose threat to wild animals in Sikkim

 

7 Jun 2009, 1908 hrs IST, PTI

GANGTOK: Dogs which once lived near army and paramilitary camps in

Sikkim and survived on leftovers have turned feral attacking and

killing wild

animals.

 

A number of wild animals like Red Panda, Musk Deer, Ghorals and even

migratory birds have been killed and devoured by the dogs in the past

couple of months, Forest officials said.

 

In the latest instance, a pack of dogs and jackals entered an

enclosure at the Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley in East Sikkim

on May 31 and killed and ate an adult Red Panda.

 

The Chief Wildlife Warden NT Bhutia said that a report has been sought

from the zoo authorities.

 

Describing the reports of attacks by dogs on the wild animals as a

serious matter, he said that if needed they may have to be culled to

protect wildlife in forests.

 

Among measures for strengthening the security of the zoo and wildlife

sanctuaries from the dogs, Bhutia said additional funds have been give

to the zoo authorities to strengthen fencing.

 

The menace of the feral dogs have assumed serious proportions since

last year with reports from East and North Sikkim forests on the

killing of wild animals and birds.

 

The wildlife authorities are also concerned with the growing number of

the feral dogs due to breeding and their changed eating habits.

 

Besides animals, people inhabiting forest fringes were also under

threat from the dogs with some incidents of humans being attacked in

North Sikkim.

 

According to wildlife authorities, the dogs have made forests their

home in recent years after having lived near the army and paramilitary

units and survived on the leftovers from their camps.

 

These dogs, once domesticated animals, had slowly turned feral

attacking small wild animals, they said.

 

With the dogs emerging as a serious threat, forest officials have

decided to figure out their numbers in the forests and take preventive

measures for protection of wild life.

 

--

http://www.stopelephantpolo.com

http://www.freewebs.com/azamsiddiqui