Wildlife Dept to tackle Athurugiriya deer problem
by Dhaneshi YATAWARA
The spotted deer herd found roaming in the Athurugiriya area have
been seen in places close to Homagama, according to the Wildlife
Conservation Department (DWC).
Officials are looking at possible ways to transfer the animals safely
to suitable places, until a large enclosure is built to keep the animals
away from agricultural and built-up areas.
"This is not a suitable area for them and so we need to find the
right place. People do not harm them and with no predators in the area
it is a conducive environment for the herd to expand," Wildlife Director
General H.D. Ratnayake said. According to the DWC more than 15 years
ago, legal permits had to be obtained to raise spotted deer as domestic
animals.
When the animal becomes uncontrollable as it grows, owners release
them into the closest shrub land or thicket.
These animals later produce a large herd which has now led to a
problem in the Athurugiriya area.
The permit system is obsolete now, and today spotted deer are rarely
found to be domesticated.
According to the Department, the deer herd at Athurigirya has so far
damaged only agricultural crops.
|