Facing mounting complaints from farmers over rampant crop damage caused by wild boars, the Maharashtra Forest Department has decided to deploy giant ‘Texas-type’ corral traps across vulnerable agricultural belts in the state. The decision follows the successful trial of the American-designed trapping system in the buffer zone of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR).

Efficient design

The letter written by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) — Wildlife, M Srinivasa Reddy to the field officers of Maharashtra Forest Department states that unlike conventional cages that capture only a few animals at a time, the circular corral traps — constructed using heavy-duty welded metal mesh panels measuring around five to six feet in height — are designed to capture an entire herd of wild boars in a single operation.

Remotely triggered: Once an entire group moves inside, the gates are remotely triggered to shut, trapping all the animals together. The strong, heavy-duty mechanism closes all entry points at once. The department is also exploring the use of AI-enabled cameras in the future to automate the trapping process

Expense justified

Each trap costs approximately Rs 3.5 lakh, making it a significant investment. However, officials believe the expense is justified considering the recurring crop losses suffered by farmers.

Group trapped safely: The initiative is aimed at managing conflict without resorting to culling. Captured wild boars will be transported and released into suitable forest habitats away from agricultural settlements, reducing repeated crop raids while ensuring the animals remain unharmed. ILLUSTRATIONs/UDAY MOHITE

Farms threatened

Wild boars have emerged as one of the biggest causes of crop damage in several districts of Maharashtra, frequently raiding fields of maize, paddy, and vegetables during the night. Farmers have long complained of heavy financial losses, with conventional trapping methods proving largely ineffective.

Official Speak

M Srinivasa Reddy, principal chief conservator of forests — wildlife

‘In view of the successful pilot use of this trap in the TATR buffer area, all field officers are advised to start implementing the Texas-type corral trap cages in their respective jurisdictions, particularly in areas where farmers are facing frequent crop damage due to wild boars.’

Source - https://www.msn.com