Tumakuru's Environment & Heritage Issues

As told, with his pictures, by TVN Murthy Honorary Wildlife Warden, Tumkur District, Karnataka and  Founder Advisor, WANC, Tumkur.  Email: tvnmurthy@vsnl.com Dear Friends, On Feb 20, 2009, I received an unusual call from residents of Devalapura village, near Madhugiri Town, in south-eastern Karnataka, at half past eight and rushed to the spot. I could hear howls of a bear from almost half a KM from where it seemed to be located. On reaching the place, I saw an entire village watching in apprehension a Sloth bear. It was trapped up a Jackfruit tree.  ©TVN Murthy (All rights reserved)  ©TVN Murthy (All rights reserved)  The problem Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) is quite common around Madhugiri in Tumkur District. Many villagers encounter this animal in early hours and at dusk. I have heard many reports of attack on human in this area. During the recent by-elections to Madhugiri Assembly constituency, a sloth bear mother with cubs, mauled to death a hom

Dear Nature lovers, Below are some images that depict the way the wildlife census at Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve, Maidenahalli, Madhugiri Taluk was conducted, in February 2009. Mr.TVN Murthy, Honorary Wildlife Warden, Tumkur District and Founder Advisor, WANC welcomed the volunteers . Murthy explained how WANC has made a difference to the area WANC ex-chairman and member Ameen Ahmed spoke about the Conservation Reserve, its history and current status.   The campus at the reserve got a facelift in time for the census, thanks to the enthusiastic RFO of Madhugiri, Mr.Harish.K. The forest Inspection Bungalow was inaugurated just in time and the repainted hoarding can be seen below. WANC had put up hoardings and banners at various locations guiding volunteers to the area. The conservation reserve comes in the jurisdiction of Madhugiri Subdivision as well as Range Much of the area inside the conservation reserve has been planted and gives the look of an artificial forest.  The expansive gr