Bantwal: Three gaurs, including a calf and two female gaurs, died after falling into a black stone quarry near Ukuda in Bantwal taluk on Friday. Forest officials have registered a case under the Wildlife Protection Act and launched an investigation into the incident.
According to forest officials, the animals suddenly entered the quarry area on Friday. When attempts were made to drive them out of the site, the frightened gaurs reportedly moved in different directions and fell into the quarry pit.
The fall left the animals injured. Forest officials were informed about the incident and rushed to the spot to rescue the gaurs. However, by the time the rescue team reached the animals, all three had succumbed to their injuries.
Forest officials conduct post-mortem
Following the deaths, the carcasses of the three gaurs were brought to a protected forest area for further procedures.
Post-mortem examinations were conducted in the presence of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Subbaiah Naik. The forest department subsequently carried out the required procedures in accordance with the applicable wildlife regulations.
Officials from the forest department were present during the post-mortem and subsequent proceedings.
The team included ACF Subbaiah Naik, Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) Veeranna, Ullas, Chandru B J, Rajendra Kumar and Mahabala. Forest guards Dayananda and Raghu P B and forest watchers Muttanna and Baganna were also present.
The forest department has registered a case under the Wildlife Protection Act in connection with the deaths. The investigation will examine the circumstances that led to the animals entering the quarry and falling into the pit.
Power line work linked to movement of wildlife
According to local information, the movement of wild animals towards human habitation in the area has increased following the construction of the UKTCL 400-kV power transmission line.
The three gaurs are believed to have come from a nearby forest area and entered the vicinity of the quarry.
The movement of wildlife into areas closer to human settlements can increase the risk of encounters between people and animals, particularly when infrastructure and excavation sites are located near forested areas.
In this case, the presence of an open quarry pit is being examined as a possible factor in the deaths. The absence of adequate safety measures around the quarry has been cited as a concern following the incident.
Open and unprotected quarry pits can pose a risk to wildlife moving through areas adjoining forest habitats. Animals unfamiliar with such man-made excavations may fall into deep pits while attempting to move through or escape from the area.
Investigation into quarry safety
The forest department’s investigation is expected to look into the circumstances surrounding the quarry and the deaths of the three gaurs.
Officials will also examine the conditions at the site, including the measures in place to prevent animals from entering the quarry and falling into the excavation.
The incident has highlighted the challenges posed by the coexistence of wildlife, human habitation and infrastructure projects in areas close to forest habitats.
The construction of transmission infrastructure and other development activities can alter movement patterns of wild animals, while quarries and other excavated sites can create additional hazards when they are located along routes used by wildlife.
The death of the calf along with two adult female gaurs has also raised concerns over the safety of wildlife moving out of nearby forest areas.
The forest department has completed the post-mortem examinations and initiated further proceedings as part of the investigation. Details regarding responsibility for the quarry’s safety arrangements, if established during the inquiry, are expected to emerge after the investigation is completed.