M F AHMAD
Daltonganj, Dec. 14: Palamu Tiger Conservation Foundation has resolved to have a veterinary doctor and a biologist for its tiger reserve. A resolution to this effect was taken in a meeting of the foundation last month in Ranchi.
Palamu tiger reserve (PTR) has no vet doctor of its own. It requisitions block-level government vets for post mortem and other allied works.
A case of anthrax was discovered in the PTR around two decades ago, and all hell broke loose for the appointment of a regular veterinarian in this tiger reserve. However, once the fear of anthrax died down, everyone forgot about having a veterinarian in this tiger reserve.
Field director and chief conservator of the forest at PTR, Kumar Ashutosh, said: “We did decide to have a vet doctor and a biologist for our tiger reserve. But we need no raw hand but someone who has had his stint either in the biological park or in wildlife management.”
Asked if the PTR will seek any vet doctor from the Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ormanjhi, Ashutosh said this park has only one doctor there and so there is no question of any import of the vet doctor.
There are many occasions when a vet doctor is needed most in the tiger reserve. It is when a wildlife goes amok or sick or gets injured or maimed. In the event of any fatal mishap occurring to the tiger the presence of a vet doctor is beyond any questioning as right from its autopsy down to its disposal of carcass all are to be done under the supervision of the vet doctor.
There are numerous occasions when a veterinarian is required in the tiger reserve. It occurs when a wild animal runs amok, becomes ill, is harmed, or is maimed. In the event of a fatal mistake involving the tiger, the presence of a veterinarian is unquestionable, as everything from the autopsy to the disposal of the carcass must be done under the supervision of the veterinarian.
Quite recently a team of wildlife experts of Midnapore West Bengal was in the PTR to sedate and treat a limping elephant, which despite the best of efforts could not succeed in lack of an expert.
