PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE / Haldwani
Haldwani Forest Division on Wednesday organised a one-day training programme for field staff to improve response during rescue operations amid rising incidents of human–wildlife conflict in the area.
Divisional forest officer Kundan Kumar said that increasing encounters between people and wild animals have made it important for frontline staff to stay prepared.
Experts from Nainital Zoo led the technical sessions. Senior veterinary officer Dr Himanshu Pangti and senior biologist Prashant Kumar trained staff in the use of tranquiliser guns and wildlife handling techniques.
The officials said that the participants were briefed on drug types, dosage calculation and safety precautions during rescue operations. Hands-on demonstrations were also conducted on preparing tranquiliser darts and using capture cages.
The training included sessions on identifying pugmarks and understanding animal behaviour. Special focus was given to species such as leopards, bears and tigers, which are often involved in conflict situations near forest-edge areas, the department said.
Staff were also trained in handling risk situations during rescue operations and responding safely during encounters with wild animals.
Forest officials said that such training helps strengthen field-level preparedness. They added that similar programmes may be organised in other forest divisions as well to deal with increasing human–wildlife conflict cases in the region.
