Dogs hunt black bucks at Velavadar sanctuary

AHMEDABAD: While the city grapples with stray dog menace, in a shocking development, endangered black bucks in Velavadar sanctuary are being hounded by packs of wild dogs.

The problem has arisen because of increase in dog population in villages on borders of the sanctuary. The reason for this is ironic - farmers keep guard dogs to protect their crop from threats, including black bucks.

A senior official says there is no control on dog population and many are hunting dogs, which are even more dangerous for these animals. "On an average, three to four deaths of black bucks are reported in a month. In fact, several incidents go unnoticed," he said.

Sources in the sanctuary say, "In villages in an area of 35 sq km around the national park, there is a sharp rise in number of dogs and attacks on black bucks have shot up." While adult black bucks manage to escape dog packs, young ones do get injured.

The problem has reached alarming proportions and guards have to move around with sticks to shoo away dogs. "The guard on duty has to chase dogs out of the sanctuary. Not just one or two, but at least eight to 10 attack at a time," says a beat guard.

The black buck population in the national park is around 13,000 as per forest department census. The dog menace exists in Velavadar, Karnatalav, Gangwada, Baraliya and Madhiya. Not just forest department, villagers are also worried about the problem. "The number of dogs has increased and, sometimes, it becomes difficult to sleep because of their constant barking. There have been incidents of visiting relatives being chased and frightened," says Popat Patel, resident of Velavadar.

Says sarpanch of Velavadar, Gordhan Patel, "Farmers have five to six dogs. It's essential for them to have guard dogs as black bucks destroy crops." He says forest department has ways of controlling rising dog population.

Conservator of forests Bharat Pathak also admits there is a problem on hand. "Velavadar village is right on the boundary of the national park and forest department is taking measures to keep dogs away," he says.