Karnataka Forest Department, activists launch anti-snare drive in Bannerghatta & other forest fringes around Bengaluru

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Forest Department and volunteers have launched a drive to remove snares from forest fringes around Bengaluru, calling them silent killers of leopards.

Friends of Wildlife, a volunteer group, joined officials from the Bengaluru Urban division to trace snares and spread awareness on protecting wildlife habitats.

The Anti-Snare Drive was held on Sunday in the Turahalli, Bannerghatta, and Anekal forest ranges. Volunteers trekked different trails for about three hours, actively searching for snares and learning from forest officials how and when poachers set them.

In 2021, the Nature Conservation Foundation analysed 113 leopard-snaring incidents and found that in half the cases, the wire traps were meant for wild boars. Farmers cited protection of cattle and other wildlife as additional reasons for using snares.