A troubling incident of illegal hunting emerged in Sampekatte, Hosanagar taluk, where a young Indian bison (gaur) was poached and skinned for its meat. The carcass was found 10-15 meters off a forest road in the Mathikai state forest, part of the Sagar division, which borders the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in Udupi district.
Shivamogga Circle Chief Conservator of Forests, KT Hanumanthappa, confirmed the poaching of the four-to-five-year-old gaur on Wednesday night. Meat portions were removed from the body. Authorities conducted a post-mortem, collected CCTV footage, and apprehended a suspect for questioning, with further investigation supported by wildlife staff.
The incident highlights challenges in safeguarding the vast, interconnected habitats of the Indian Gaur, which spans multiple forest divisions. DCF Mohan Kumar refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation.
This marks another troubling case following a June 2024 report of four gaur skulls discovered in Nagarahalli, prompting Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre to order an inquiry. Conservationist Chirag from Rainland Trust pointed out that six gaurs were hunted or electrocuted in Sagar subdivision last year. He urged better patrolling and competent officers to address rampant poaching for meat and crop protection.
The episode underscores the urgent need to bolster anti-poaching efforts and protect wildlife in vulnerable Malnad regions.
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