Forest fires damage precious habitat in Kawal Tiger Reserve

Sources said that the forest fires, allegedly caused by ignition of fire by cattle grazers and encroachers, spread rapidly through the section, destroying the forest cover and claiming lives of wildlife at 11 pm

Nirmal: Forest fires broke out in parts of Maisampet section in Udumpur range much before the onset of summer, resulting in habitat destruction under the Kawal Tiger Reserve on Monday night.

Sources said that the forest fires, allegedly caused by ignition of fire by cattle grazers and encroachers, spread rapidly through the section, destroying the forest cover and claiming lives of wildlife at 11 pm. Environmentalists expressed concern over the incidence of wildfire in the tiger reserve which was attracting tigers in recent times.

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Forest officials said that measures were being taken to control the forest fires in the reserve and to prevent loss of biodiversity and habitat. They stated that the department’s personnel battled the fires and doused the fire by midnight. They added that a close watch was kept on those who ignited the fire in the forests.