OUR ACTIVITIES
WildCAT-C members pride themselves as having travelled several places across the length and breadth of India, taking part in various and numerous exercises to better understand the ecology of the country, in general and how it may benefit the landscape of Chikmagalur, in particular.
This has helped WildCAT-C in understanding and coming up with prudent, rational and workable solutions to issues arising in our home district.
NATURE CAMPS
We organize education camps for local communities, school and college students in Chikmagalur and periphery of Bhadra and professionals like lawyers, media, press and the corporate world, where we educate about biodiversity of our land, how important it is for our existence and the problems that the Indian wildlife ecosystem is facing. These camps are usually conducted along with field trips to provide an appropriate exposure.
WILDLIFE WEEK
We have been consistently conducting wildlife week for more than 10 years with Karnataka Forest Department and sometimes with our own initiatives. As a part of education, we conduct various activities throughout the year aiming at building awareness at a large scale, in different ways such as conducting drawing and quiz competitions, screening documentaries and wildlife films, conducting activities with themes centering around wildlife or environment like the unique and one of its kind, marquee, cycle for nature event.
ON-CALL RESCUE
WildCAT-C members rescue injured animals as a priority. They have rescued countless snakes, mammals (like tiger, otters, mongoose) and birds. Upon rescuing these animals, they are either tended to for a few days or immediately released to natural habitat as soon as possible. We assist in anti-poaching activities by providing vehicle, manpower, time support. We also create awareness that hunting of all types of wild animals is prohibited and is a punishable offence.
PROTECTING BASUR KAAVAL
Basur Kaaval in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, is a small grassland hosting about 120 species of birds. It is home to the endangered Indian Wolf and the only area in Chikmagalur to host the Black buck and numerous other dry land animals. Basur Kaaval is one of the least protected zones in our area with continuous pressure of new paths, roads, claimants coming up all the time. We have managed in creating meaningful awareness about the importance and uniqueness of the area.
FIRE CONTROL
We got involved when a huge man-made forest fire engulfed BWS burning around 35000 acres. Helped in mobilizing manpower, vehicles, food, information, and boosting morale. Were instrumental in getting the fire under control, the result of which is the thriving bamboo that we see in Bhadra today.
With such great experience behind us, we realize that prevention is better than cure hence we educate people on prevention of forest fires on a regular basis and keep an eye on activities during the dry season.
STOPPING BAMBOO EXTRACTION
Till the late 80s, the management of the Forest Department (Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary) had it’s focus heavily tilted towards revenue generation. Forestry activities and extensive logging of valuable timber species were carried out. In addition, Bhadra’s extensive Bamboo forests were severely exploited to meet the raw material requirements of a large paper mill. From the 90s the management focus slowly changed towards wildlife conservation and protection due to a shift away from revenue generation owing to continued efforts of NGOs, one of which has been Us – WildCAT-C. We vehemently opposed extraction of all types of bamboo from forested areas and were successful in getting the Supreme Court order of 2002 that banned all extraction of green bamboo, implemented.
MINING RESTRICTION
One of the top Bio diversities that was subjected to ruthless mining for 30 years. It was one of the most popular environmental issues for a long time, fought aggressively by wildlife conservationists.
We were actively involved in stopping KIOCL in their endeavor to further their mining lease in the Kudremukh area and in getting an extension to mine in the Kachegehole area. We also stood steadfast in support with fellow conservationists who were trying to be bulldozed into submission by using different means and methods.
We got across by conducting lectures, workshops, seminars, movie shows, and interactive sessions to people living downstream of Kudremukh about the harms that the mines were causing to them, their children, livestock, and their lands.
BHADRA REHABILITATION
Our advisor Mr. Girish D V has been working on this issue for the past 2 decades and we were there to help whenever it was required.
Bhadra WildLife Sanctuary (Bhadra WLS) is predominantly a tropical moist deciduous forest. Bhadra is an area potentially superior to many of better-known wildlife habitats in Karnataka. Fragmentation was one of the serious threats to Bhadra WLS. Around 463 families housed in Bhadra WLS used the forest land for cultivation and cattle grazing. Setting of Intentional fires, encroachment of forest lands and poaching were all rampantly evident. The direct result of which was the degrading of the habitat and causing immense disturbance to the wildlife.
Thanks to the perseverance of a committed few, villages in the midst of the sanctuary were shifted out to two different locations where beneficiaries were given compensation money and land in lieu of the land that they gave to the jungle. All the 463 families were voluntarily resettled outside the reserve, given better facilities and had the benefit of growing their crops with no interference from the elephants and other crop raiders!
Bhadra was given Project Tiger status.
This is one of the most successful rehabilitation packages that was conceived and executed in the entire country.