Karkala range officials catch suspects for poaching Indian gaur

Shivamogga/Chikkamagaluru: A significant development in wildlife protection occurred when Karkala Wildlife Range officials under Kudremukh wildlife division caught suspects involved in hunting Indian gaurs, a species classified as vulnerable by IUCN.
The arrest helped solve another poaching case in Sagar division, Shivamogga district, with the identification of the Bhatkal gang. The arrested persons, Mohammad Ashraf, Ali Bapu Yaseen, and Wasim Akram from Bydoor and Bhatkal, were allegedly linked to a female gaur's death at Mattikai State Forest near Sampekatte of Hosanagar taluk in Shivamogga district on Jan 8, according to forest officials.
Karkala wildlife staff arrested Ali in early Jan on the charges of poaching and allegedly seized lethal weapons from the accused. He was suspected to be involved in gaur killings in Shankaranarayana Range Forest, Kundapura division of Udupi.
Kudremukh DCF M Shivarambabu's efforts resulted in the arrest of three others, resolving various cases, including one in Shivamogga. Numerous gaurs died this year across Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts.
Shivaram Babu told TOI about ongoing surveillance of hunters, possibly connected to Kerala. Wildlife specialists report that gaurs are killed primarily for meat, with hide and trophies being secondary products. Agricultural traps also claim some animal victims, he added.
"For decades, the department remained silent about these killings. Certain local communities have practised this traditionally," Chirag, a Rainland Trust activist, told TOI. Kudremukh wildlife division includes sections of Shivamogga division. The circle comprises Agumbe, Amasebailu, Belthangadi, Hebri, Karkala, Kerekatte, Kollur, Kudremukh, and Someshwara. Hosanagar taluk, susceptible to gaur poaching, is within Sagar division in Shivamogga.