Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur

Puttur, Feb 18: A daily wage worker engaged in the ongoing tiger census survey was injured after a wild boar attacked him at Mugru under the Uppinangady forest range on Monday morning.

The incident occurred during the second phase of the All India Tiger Census, which recently commenced across designated forest areas. The injured has been identified as Sheshappa, who was part of the survey team conducting fieldwork in the dense forest region.

Sources said the wild boar suddenly charged at the staff member while the team was carrying out enumeration activities. He sustained injuries in the attack and was provided immediate assistance.

The first phase of the survey had begun on January 5. However, officials noted that the census work has been facing several challenges, including shortage of staff, lack of protective gear, risks posed by thick forest terrain, and limited communication facilities in remote areas.

At present, the second phase of the survey is being conducted at 18 locations within the Uppinangady forest range.

Range forest officer Raghavendra H P stated that all necessary precautionary measures have been taken and staff have been given appropriate training to handle field-level risks during the survey.