GADAG: A small pond created inside the Kappatagudda forest in Gadag district a month ago is attracting several nocturnal animals. The camera traps placed by the Forest Department in the area have recorded their movement.
The forest is located close to Gadag city and houses unique wildlife and medicinal plant wealth.
As there are no natural ponds in the central parts of the forest, the department had planned to construct an artificial water pond in the forest in Shirahatti division.
Interestingly, the foresters have pooled in money to store water in the tank. The foresters also installed camera traps which captured many animals and reptiles that came to drink water.
“We have identified four places in Kappatadugga where artificial tanks were created. Some small ponds which have gone dry were also filled with water. Initially, we were skeptical whether the animals will use the new facility or not. But the response of animals was encouraging. We could record movement of many nocturnal animals, including small Indian civets, porcupines and pond terrapins which are otherwise difficult to sight. With the new sightings, the check-list of fauna in Kappadagudda has increased,” said a forest officer.
Besides observing animal movement, the camera recordings and photographs help the foresters gauge the water level in the ponds so that these can be refilled till monsoon begins.
“Gadag district has been reeling under drought for the past three years and the incidents of animals wandering into human areas have increased. But after the creation of ponds, such movements are restricted,” say the foresters.
“Besides housing carnivores like leopards, jackals and wolves, the presence of nocturnal animals such as small Indian civet, tortoise and porcupines was not photo documented. With the new water tanks, we are able to get pictures of these species,” said Range Forest officer of Shirahatti division Veersh.
The new changes are even felt by the farmers living around Kappatagudda forest.
“Every summer the cases of animal raids increase due to poor water and food availability in the forest. Due to new water ponds, animal movements have decreased outside the forest,” said Garjappa, a farmer of Shirahatti taluk.