BENGALURU: As many as 262 wild animals were killed for meat and fun in the state forests in the past three years. The highest number of deaths were recorded in Chamarajanagar and Shivamogga districts.
In reply to BJP MLC Sunil Subramani’s query on poaching, Forest Minister Ramanath Rai said the animals were killed in 11 forest divisions. The highest of 90 animals were killed in Chamarajanagar division followed by Shivamogga division where 51 animals were killed. Chikkamagaluru and Uttara Kannada witnessed deaths of 32 and 26 animals respectively.
The minister said that in all the 262 deaths, cases have been registered and offenders arrested. In connection with the poaching case at Chikkamagaluru, Rai said 14 people were held for killing two sambars at Tanigebailu Range in Bhadra Tiger Reserve.
Cigarettes, beedis cause forest fire: Forest Minister
Cigarettes and beedis are one of the main reasons that cause forest fires, Forest Minister Ramanath Rai said on Wednesday.
To a question, Rai said dry bamboo and shrubs are everywhere in forest areas. The friction between bamboo sticks often causes fire. Adding to this, cigarettes lit by tourists at these places also contribute to forest fires.