Godavari floods: Dogs hunt fleeing antelopes from SAC; 1 dead, several stranded

East Godavari: A larger number of Indian antelopes (blackbuck-antilope cervicapra) fled after their habitations were flooded at Sir Arthur Cotton (SAC) barrage in Andhra Pradesh. The forest officials said Pichuka Lanka near the SAC barrage is home to several blackbucks. Over 20 stranded blackbucks have been identified. More than 20 are believed to be stranded in flood-affected areas.

Flood has affected over 50 islands in the Godavari. Several people were evacuated from the islands. However, there were no measures to rescue wildlife as it was not considered viable for various conservation reasons. Being acquainted with the local environment and human habitations, scores of blackbucks fled from the islands. A stranded blackbuck, which was bitten by the stray dogs, died while undergoing medical treatment near Pichuka Lakna on Saturday.

Forest officials said that blackbucks are fleeing from the river islands. Some blackbucks were rescued and protected by the locals and cattle owners along with their animals. The forest department is chalking out plans to rehabilitate the stranded blackbucks, they added. Based on the information of the locals, the forest department officials have deployed some personnel to keep an eye on blackbucks. Two blackbucks have been shifted to a bio-laboratory in Rajamahendravaram city for treatment and care.

Forest authorities appealed to the public not to disclose the locations of the blackbucks to protect them from any threat. Hunting of blackbucks attracts punishment under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.