Fire preparedness summer of 2013

Post date: Apr 22, 2014 6:48:16 AM

Ever wondered how forest fires occur? How does it affect wildlife and its habitat?

The popular belief is that its natural and the forests benefit by fires. In reality frequent fires degrade the habitat in numerous ways such as increase in fire resistant plants which are non palatable by wild herbivores, Seeds of the spring on the forest floor waiting to germinate simply turn to ashes, Those under the soil disintegrate owing reduced dampness. Forest stretches affected by forest fires frequently boast tall trees without simple sampling, when these wither the land turns barren.

Wildlife suffers with reduced palatable folder, reduced natural cover resulting in abandoning the area and migrates. Smaller animals fall prey to poachers and bigger ones like the elephant end up in newspapers as carcasses either being poisoned or electrocuted. For more on this read (http://www.bmcindia.org/forestfire.htm)

With the dry season round the corner, we at “Vanya let the wild be wild” are assisting the forest department in preventing forest fires in Bandipur National Park. We focus on Gopaala Swamy BeTTa range.

Those of you who participated in the same activity last year know how herculean a task it to kill fire in the forest (read http://stateofindianwildlife.blogspot.com/2010/04/fire-in-mountain-run-run-run.html)

We invite volunteers to assist us in our fire prevention activity named “Fire preparedness summer of 2013”

So those among you who wish contribute in preserving the rich wilderness please come forward and volunteer.

Your efforts will go a long way in conserving wild flora and fauna.

Our focus would be primarily on

1.Patrolling along the EPTs and forest edge bordering villages.

2. Stay put on watch towers and report occurrence of fire to the headquarters.

3. Provide logistical and humanitarian support.

If a fire does happen the agile and fit among us are encouraged to shrug it out at the spot to put down the fire.

A detailed plan would be sent out to volunteers who will participate.

Food and a modest accommodation will be arranged.

A minimum of two days stay is must. Volunteers can participate for longer duration.

Depending on the strength of the batch; we might split and may have to stay in various camps.

Volunteers are requested to get vaccinated against Kyasanur Forest disease prior to participation .

The activity is will start from 16/03/2013 in Bandipur National Park until the end of summer.

You will be able to see the ground realities contrary to those that appear in news reports. Wildlife sightings and adventure will keep you occupied.

Please mail us your queries with SPECIFIC questions,

For more information mail or call

Praveen Ram 9663521827 : 9 Am to 12 Pm

Ravi Reddy 9739712484 : Any time

Arun Simha 9480193958: Any time