Fake tiger photos lead to hyena pugmarks in Gurugram

GURUGRAM: Staffers of the district wildlife department are on their toes, after fake news of tiger sightings began doing the rounds on social media platforms, especially among villagers living on the periphery of the Aravalis in Gurugram. The fake forwards include photos of a tiger, with the claim it was spotted in their villages by the person sending it, as well as of leopard sightings.

Department officials have even received phone calls from five villages — one from Bilonda under Firozpur Jhirka, three from Bhokharka and Patli near Pataudi and one from Hamirpur near Sultanpur — claiming sighting of tigers, leopards and other wild animals.

After carrying out continuous search operations, a departmental team found leopard pugmarks in Bilonda, but in all other areas, the pugmarks were either identified as that of hyena, or no signs of wild animals were found. Based on the pugmarks and reports of villagers, the department has mounted a rescue operation for a hyena in Patli. “We’re carrying out a rescue operation in the area, as a hyena has been visiting the village. A cage has already been erected. The animal will be rehabilitated in its natural habitat away from the village,” said a wildlife staff.

Staff members, who have been carrying out search operations for the past three days, said fake photos are being circulated on WhatsApp, leading to the panic. Wildlife inspector Sunil Kumar told TOI, “I request people not to circulate such photos or videos. They should contact the wildlife department only when they have clicked a photo of an animal themselves, or they know who took it. We’re ready to help in case a wild animal intrudes into human habitation, but circulating old photos, that too from neighbouring areas, to create panic, is harmful.”

Additional principal chief conservator of forests, Vinod Kumar, said, “The wildlife department is well-equipped to carry out rescue operations if any wild animal is found in human habitation. However, there is a need to understand that Aravalis is the natural home for leopards, hyenas and other wild animals. There is a need to refrain from spreading rumours.”

Wildlife activists feel continuous encroachment of the Aravalis is a factor behind the frequent sightings of wild animals.

“Recently, there has been an increase in genuine sightings of wild animals, including leopards, hyenas, civets, pythons and cobras. All this is happening because of an increase in encroachment of forest land. There is a need to spread awareness that wild animals are harmless and their habitat should be protected, not only for their survival, but for maintaining ecological balance of the region,” said Anil Gandas, a wildlife activist and rescuer.