Special task forces soon to handle human-animal conflicts in Karnataka
Mysuru: The Karnataka Forest Department is preparing to establish special task forces to address the rising human–animal conflicts (HACs) across the state amid a surge in wild animals, particularly tigers, straying out of forest areas.
The issue has been most prominent in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR). Long-term scientific research and data monitoring centre is the need of the hour, Deccan Herald wrote in its report citing experts.
The spike in conflict has been especially alarming around the fringes of BTR, with three people killed, one injured, and 10 tigers rescued in just one month in the Sargur and Nanjangud taluks of Mysuru district. Statewide, 31 people have lost their lives to HACs between April 1 and November 7 this year—cases linked to five tiger attacks, 20 elephant attacks, two leopard attacks, and incidents involving other wild animals. Karnataka recorded 65 HAC cases in 2023–24 and 46 cases so far in 2024–25.
To counter the escalating situation, the proposed special task forces will operate at both district and taluk levels, strengthening coordination among departments during conflict situations.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah approved this proposal in principle at a recent review meeting. A government order will be issued to form these task forces in a few weeks,” DH quoted Prabhash Chandra Ray, principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden of Karnataka, as saying.
Wildlife expert Sanjay Gubbi noted that BTR’s ecological carrying capacity is about 100 tigers, but the reserve currently supports over 140, a rise attributed to intensive habitat management. With the forest area unchanged, surplus tigers are moving into agricultural zones, preying on wild pigs and livestock, and increasing human–tiger conflict.
Gubbi stressed the need to scale back habitat manipulation and allow natural ecological processes to regulate tiger numbers. "We need to halt the intensive management of tiger habitats. Allowing the ecosystem to maintain itself naturally will help bring tiger numbers back to carrying capacity,” DH quoted Gubbi as saying.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
