Title: Field Manual for Wildlife Rescue Management in Sikkim
KeyWords: Field Manual, Wildlife Rescue, guidelines, rescue, capture, sedation, tranquilization, immobilization, darting, wildlife rescue centre, himalayan zoological park,
Published by: HZP, Forest and Environment Department
Author Name: HZP, Forest and Environment Department
Printed Year: 2022
Editor: Dr. Minla Z. Lachungpa, Assistant Zoo Conservation Biologist,
Language: English
Pages: 48
Details:
In the last decade Sikkim has witnessed an exponential rise in the number of Man-animal conflicts involving Himalayan Black Bear, Rhesus and Assamese Macaques, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Peafowl and even feral dogs. In 2021 alone atleast 30 recorded cases of Himalayan Black Bear in human habitation required capture and relocation of the animals. Wild boar, Monkey, Barking Deer and Peafowl have been reported from several rural areas where crop lands have been raided and damaged while feral dog associated fatal wildlife casualties have almost tripled in numbers. Such instances have prompted the need for a standardized SoP which will allow Rescue and Veterinary teams involved in correctly managing a wildlife rescue mission that allows the animals a higher chance at survival post rescue.
The Himalayan Zoological Park has been involved in man-animal conflict mitigation for over two decades and is currently also in-charge of the newly constructed Wildlife Rescue Centre. With almost 25 years of experience in the care and management of wild animals, this manual is a compilation of all of the experience and knowledge gained through the years. This manual is created keeping in mind the local scenario and current logistical setup of the Department together with the basic values laid down by Wildlife Veterinary Medicine. This manual is intended to be utilized by the Wildlife Rescue Teams in the Himalayan State of Sikkim as a guide for correctly handling and managing wildlife rescues while also taking animal welfare into consideration.