KNP loses 74 animals to recent flood wave

From a Correspondent
JORHAT, July 15:  So far 74 animals have been found dead in the past one week during the first wave of flood that submerged 85 per cent of the 4.30 sq km area of Kaziranga tiol Park (KNP). The water level is in decreasing trend and out of 178 forest camps, 111 are still cut off from other parts of the park.
The water level is in decreasing trend since Friday. As water has started decreasing, carcasses of endangered species like rhino, skes, hog deer, swam deer, buffalo, boar and porcupine have been located. Around 74 animals have died, including eight hog deer hit by speeding vehicles while crossing the NH-37 during the peak flood hour this time, said Ruhini Ballav Sakia, the DFO of Kaziranga tiol Park on Saturday.
The 74 animals include four rhinos, one buffalo, one wild boar, two porcupines, four swamp deer, one ske and 61 hog deer, which were found dead during this current first wave of flood that submerged over 85 per cent of the KNP area. The death toll is likely to increase, said the DFO.
Official said with strict instruction from the Government of Assam, for the first time in the history of the Wildlife Protection Act-1971 and in the history of KNP, grass have been provided in the highlands so that the animals get food to eat.
Meanwhile, patrolling along land and water has been strengthened within the NH-37 and NH-39 following inputs about movement of a five-member poacher team which has taking shelter along the highway side to take undue advantage during these days when the flood scerio is improving and animals like deer, rhino and elephant are trespassing between KNP ranges and Karbi Anglong hill top and which at any time might fall into their trap, informed KNP sources.