Response Teams To Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict In Odisha, First Mock Drill At Nandankanan

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Forest Department has constituted 18 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and rescue animals in distress in six forest divisions.

Training of the RRTs has begun and the first mock drill was conducted at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

As per forest officials, the RRTs are being trained on the use of tranquiliser and more than 100 equipment including protective gear, and tracking, monitoring and veterinary equipment. The aim is to rescue animals in distress including leopards, sloth bears, tigers, and other small and big herbivorous animals without causing them much harm.

Each RRT team would comprise young forest personnel and a team leader of the rank of Ranger. Of the six teams constituted, one team is exclusively for Nandankanan Zoo. The teams are being instructed to reach the spot within 60-90 minutes of receiving a phone call.

The RRTs are undergoing theory classes at Godibari in Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary and practical classes at Nandankanan Zoological Park. “Their training will be over by March and they will be deployed at their respective divisions from April 1,” informed a Forest official