State to get first hyena sanctuary in Belagavi

Belagavi: The forest department has planned Karnataka's first striped hyena sanctuary in the Belagavi district and an exclusive sanctuary in the country for striped hyenas. In other sanctuaries, they have been co-protected by sharing the habitat with wolves and blackbucks.Although the proposal is still in planning stage, the department has started doing the groundwork. The forest department has already identified land between Belagavi and Gokak taluk to establish a sanctuary, which falls in the centre of both Belagavi and Gokak Forest divisions.According to department sources, the land that has been identified for the striped hyena sanctuary is almost unused and barren. The officials believe that, most likely, they won't face any opposition in getting the land for the purpose. "It's too early to say in detail about the proposal because it's still in the planning stage. This would move step by step," said deputy conservator of forests Maria Christu Raja D, speaking to the TOI."We have identified the neglected land for the sanctuary. Before getting the land, there would be a survey to assess the population of hyenas in that locality. There may not be more than 30-50 hyenas in the area the land has been identified for the sanctuary. A matter of concern is that around 6-7 hyenas died in recent months while crossing the state highway in the same area," the DCF said.In 2021, the striped hyena sanctuary had been planned in Koppal. However, that wasn't materialised due to several reasons. "Now, we are sending a proposal from Belagavi. If all goes well, there will be a safari facility in the hyena sanctuary for public view in future," the officer stated.The animal that is found in various parts of Asia and North African countries isn't considered auspicious in Indian culture. There are several myths attached to hyenas, thus they are commonly viewed as frightening. In some cultures, hyenas are thought to influence people's spirits and are used for witchcraft.
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