Training on ‘Techniques of Tranquilisation’ begins
Special Correspondent,
In order to enlighten veterinarians and front line staff of Forest Department on technique of tranquilising wild animals, The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra organised a two-day training programme on tranquilising gun, maintenance and darting here on Monday.
R S Yadav, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Protection), presided over the function while Rushikesh Ranjan, Chief Conservator of Forest and Field Director, Pench Tiger Reserve, Nagpur, was the chief guest. Sanjay Thakre, CCF and Member-Secretary, The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra, took initiative in organising the training at Gorewada Zoo Project.
Nawab Shafath Ali Khan, National Shooting Champion and Secretary of Wildlife Tranqui Force, Hyderabad, and Dr Naveen Kumar, also from Hyderabad, were the resource persons.
It may be mentioned here that veterinarians and field staff members are not trained in intricacies of handling tranquilising guns, maintenance, precautionary measures, safety, determining the amount of dart, exact shooting, modern technology, psychology of tiger, leopards or other animals and other aspects. In absence of daring and knowledge, it happened that tigers and other wild animals died during rescue operations.
Therefore, Nawab Khan is of the view that it is very much necessary to extend professional training in tranquilising and darting the problematic or distress animal. He explained all the aspects regarding handling the tranquilising gun and darting by using modern techniques such as nets, computerised chronograph, winch fitted on the rescue van with steel ropes, erecting ‘machaan’ with this method, determining velocity of dart, caging, code, removing vehicle if stuck in mud in jungle, how to fire, torch/alarm equipment, need to reduce temperature of animal after darting etc. He also made demonstrations on the occasion and trained field staff in firing by tranquiliser.
There is a chance of 30 per cent casualty in wild animals during tranquilising gun operations. However, this percentage can be brought down if professional training is given to veterinarians and field staff members, Nawab Khan said while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ at the venue.
In his presidential address, Yadav said that the department should prepare Standard Operative Procedure (SOP) on tranquilising operation that would help field staff and others involved in this work.
Tiger does not generally attack man unless provocated, he
\said adding that forestmen should enlighten masses and remove a sense of fear prevailing among them.
Rushikesh Ranjan recalled tiger conflict situation in Brahmapuri division when he was Deputy Conservator of Forest there a couple of years ago. He appreciated this much-needed training programme organised by The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra.
Nandkishor Kale, Divisional Manager, Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra, Gorewada, made introductory remarks on the occasion while Dr Bahar Bawiskar proposed a vote of thanks.
Dr S S Bawaskar, In-charge Officer of Maharajbag zoo, Dr Abhijeet Motghare, Dr V M Dhoot from MAFSU, H V Madbhushi, K Z Rathod, Assistant Conservators of Forest, Gorewada, Kalpana Chinchkhede, Range Forest Officer and others were present.
Technical sessions will be held on Tuesday.
Read more -> http://thehitavada.com/Encyc/2017/6/20/Training-on-%E2%80%98Techniques-of-Tranquilisation–begins.aspx
