Kerala Forest departments camera traps stolen in Vaniyapara; wildlife monitoring hit

Camera traps installed by the Kerala Forest department to track wildlife movement along the forest fringes at Vaniyapara under the Kottiyur Range’s Irrity section have been stolen, raising concerns over ongoing monitoring efforts.

Three devices fixed near the old quarry close to a crusher at Pullamparathattu were recently found missing during a routine inspection.

The theft came to light when Irrity section staff visited the site for a check. Following the incident, the Forest department lodged a complaint with the Karinkkottakari police station. Officers said the missing equipment could hamper efforts to trace wild animals frequently reported in the area.

Leopard sightings

Division Forest Officer Vysak Sasi told The Hindu that the cameras were installed after residents reported repeated leopard sightings.

“We had positioned three camera traps based on local complaints. These are crucial for confirming the presence and movement patterns of wild animals,” he said.

The Kannur Division had a total of five camera traps, three of which have now been stolen. Each unit costs around ₹25,000.

“These cameras are instrumental in identifying animals that stray into human settlements. They help us plan rescue operations and respond swiftly to potential conflict situations,” Mr. Sasi added.

The department suspects that the theft was deliberate as the location is not easily accessible to casual visitors. The loss, officials say, not only affects ongoing wildlife monitoring but also delays intervention meant to prevent human-animal conflicts in the region.

The police have begun a preliminary inquiry based on the complaint.