The disaster that struck not only human settlements, but the forests were also spared. Mute wildlife lost their lives amid heavy rains and overflowing streams and rivers. Tigers, leopards, and elephants, among other creatures, appeared helpless against the downpour. The natural disaster has created an atmosphere of mourning in the forest.
Wildlife conflicts have been reported in the past, including in the Corbett Tiger Reserve, but rainy season accidents have consistently posed a threat to animals. Wild animal deaths in cloudbursts have generally been rare. In cases where tiger and leopard deaths have been reported, the exact cause of death remains to be determined.
Case 1
On September 4th, a leopard was found injured under a bridge in the Levada River in Bajpur. Its body bore injuries. It was believed it was swept away by the floodwaters.
Case 2
On September 6, a baby elephant was swept away in the Malan River near Kotdwar. Forest personnel rescued it. The baby elephant got separated from the herd and was swept away in the drain, but luckily survived.
Case 3
On September 9, the carcass of a leopard was found in a rain drain in Tanakpur, Champawat district. It is suspected that the animal died after being swept away. The report is still awaited.
Case 4
On September 8, a tiger’s carcass was found in a drain in the Chaklua Beat in Kaladhungi, Ramnagar Forest Division. The tiger is estimated to be seven years old. Wildlife experts believe that a tiger is unable to withstand a disaster when injured. It is suspected that the tiger died after being swept away in the river.
This photo also surfaced
Videos have surfaced of deer and elephants trapped in the Kosi River adjacent to the Corbett Tiger Reserve. On September 3, five deer were trapped on a mound in the Kosi River. A day later, on September 4th, two elephants survived a river near Mohan in the Ramnagar Forest Division.
Among wildlife, reptiles are the most affected by natural disasters. Old and injured tigers and leopards cannot survive the disaster and are swept away to their deaths. Sadly, the crisis facing wildlife has not yet received any attention. – Deep Rajwar, Wildlife Photographer
Wildlife habitats are affected during the monsoon season. There is a risk of casualties. This time, there is no record of wildlife deaths attributed to natural disasters.
