5 days Ago
1 2 3 4 Surat: To safeguard wildlife from water scarcity during the harsh summer months, the forest department in Dang district has taken proactive measures to ensure drinking water availability across dense forest areas. The department has set up 153 artificial ponds, supplementing the 88 natural water sources present in the region. In response to extreme heat and potential heatwave conditions, forest teams have implemented conservation strategies to protect both herbivorous and carnivorous species, as well as birds.
"To prevent wild animals from facing a drinking water shortage, we have created artificial water sources alongside the natural ones within the jungle, including the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary . These artificial sources are regularly refilled using tankers and local forest staff continuously monitor them to maintain a steady supply," said Dinesh Rabari, deputy conservator of forests (DCF). To track wildlife movements and ensure safety, trap cameras have been installed near these water sources.
Additionally, the department has plans to construct 50 more artificial ponds in the near future. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of carnivores, including leopards, hyenas, and wild cats, while herbivores such as spotted deer (chital), sambar deer, four-horned antelope (chausingha), langurs, and wild boars also inhabit the region. The area is also known for flying squirrel sightings.
The Dang forest is divided into North and South divisions. The North Dang Forest Division covers 56,006.94 hectares and includes eight operational ranges: Ahwa (West), Subir, Lavchali, Kalibel, Shingana, Piplaidevi, Bhenskatri, and Bardipada.
Within this division, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary spans 160.84 sqkm. From the perspective of wildlife and forest resources, the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant biodiversity hotspot and forms the northern part of India's Western Ghats.
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