“When the dogs chase them, they forget the way from where they entered and get stuck in the wire. As a result, they cannot escape from the attack of the dogs,” said Pathak.
CHITWAN, Jan 31: Dr Jaya Shrestha of Bharatpur Cancer Hospital is a nature lover. He recently visited Chitwan National Park to cherish the beauty of nature but was astonished by a sad incident.
He was staying in a hotel at Meghauli and was surprised to see some stray dogs running after a deer. He couldn't see the innocent deer struggling for its existence so he immediately rushed out to chase away those dogs. But unfortunately the deer was already injured by the time he reached there.
He then informed the Chitwan National Park authorities and took the injured deer to a local health post. But unfortunately the deer succumbed to its injuries before reaching the hospital. He then got to hear another shocking story from a patient who had came from Meghauli along with him. The local told the doctor that a similar incident took place on Sunday in which a deer lost its life.
Campaign to control stray dogs
“These stray dogs have become a danger for the deer and it is a serious issue,” said Dr Shrestha.
Information and Assistant Conservation Officer of the national park Nurendra Aryal said, “This does not happen often. Yes, there are some incidents and we are working to find out the measures to manage these stray dogs.”
Bikash Pathak, coordinator of Rapid Response Team (RRT), which has been formed for the rescue and protection of the locals attacked by the wild animals said, “Two years ago this had became a serious issue in Jagatpur as 40 deer were killed by the attack of stray dogs in a month.”
But later, the dogs were taken into control and were sent away from the national park area. “Although it helped to reduce the casualties, it seems like the problem has not yet been eradicated,” he added.
Earlier, there were no boundaries between the national park and the settlement areas so deer could easily get in and out of the national park. But now, the area has been separated by fences and wires but still there are some small holes and ways from where these deer come out.
“When the dogs chase them, they forget the way from where they entered and get stuck in the wire. As a result, they cannot escape from the attack of the dogs,” said Pathak.
“Tourists from all around the world come to Nepal to see these rare wild animals but it's such a shame that many locals are not aware about their importance,” said Dr Shrestha. “This is not going to give a good message outside,” he added. According to him, the locals around the national park area must be conscious toward the protection and security of these wild animals.
Meanwhile, Pathak stressed on the need of awareness and participation of the locals in the protection and conservation of wild animals.
