Asiatic wild dogs surface in forests around Udhagamandalam town

Experts stress efforts to prevent problematic human-animal interaction

In the last few months, Asiatic wild dogs have been seen with increasing frequency in the forests surrounding Marlimund Lake that borders Udhagamandalam town. Conservationists said the recent sightings highlighted the importance of these small forests bordering major towns in the Nilgiris, and the need to sensitise residents to preventing problematic human-animal interactions. In the last few weeks, residents have recorded a sloth bear making its way into the town from the lake. Also, a number of Sambar Deer carcasses, with signs of having been hunted by Asiatic wild dogs, were being seen around the lake. K. Saravanakumar, Assistant Conservator of Forests (Nilgiris division), said that while lake was under the control of the Udhagamandalam Municipality, forest staff had been informed of the presence of around 10-15 wild dogs in the area.