There have been cases reported of animals straying into human habitations searching for easily available food and water. One such incident includes the wandering of a leopard into Gaddegudem of Devarakadra mandal in Mahbubnar district. The leopard killed a buffalo calf and drank water from a nearby pond before making its way back into the forest as stated by several villagers who had reported the incident. Other animals have not been so lucky. A deer that had attempted to enter a nearby village for water was run over by a train during the process in Chittoor district. Additionally, approximately a dozen peafowls died of sunstroke in Medak.
There has also been a sudden rise in snakes that are moving into villages such as the Vataverpally village of Munanoormandal in Mahbubnagar district that is surrounded by the Nallamala forest. According to experts, the extreme abnormality in atmospheric temperatures have created agitation among reptiles as they are unable to control their own body temperatures which could be the reason behind the rise in snake bite incidents around forest areas.
Elephants and monkeys have also been in search of food and water from human habitations giving rise to fears of conflict among forest officials. The committees formed within the forest department have given priority to replenishing waterholes through solar pumps where there is no electricity available.
The heat wave is expected to continue for a few more days which consequently poses a risk of forest fires along with the shortage of water and fodder in jungles.
Source: The Economic Times.
