A tragic incident took place at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka on December 27, when a staff member of an anti-poaching camp lost his life in a tiger attack. The incident highlights the dangers faced by forest staff who work deep inside wildlife areas to protect forests and animals.
The deceased has been identified as Sanna Haida, a 56-year-old forest worker attached to the Maralahalla anti-poaching camp in the Bandipur division. On the day of the incident, Haida was on routine patrolling duty along with three other staff members. They were collecting grass seeds inside the forest when the tiger suddenly attacked.
According to forest officials, the tiger jumped out from dense bushes around 12.30 pm and attacked Haida. The attack was very quick, leaving little time for the others to react. Although the staff were carrying weapons, the sudden nature of the attack made it impossible to prevent it.
Haida suffered serious injuries and died on the spot. He was originally from Hunsur and had moved with his family to Bandipur after being posted there for forest protection duties.
Senior forest officials rushed to the location after receiving the information. The body was later shifted for post-mortem examination as per official procedure. Officials clarified that this incident cannot be called a human-wildlife conflict, as it happened deep inside the forest, which is the natural habitat of the tiger.
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Bandipur Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most important wildlife areas and is home to a large number of tigers. As per the 2024 tiger population estimate, the reserve has 154 tigers, though the number is believed to be higher. Even with such a high wildlife population, attacks on staff during patrol are rare.
Forest authorities said that compensation will be provided to Haida’s family according to government rules. Wildlife conservationists have also urged the government to review safety measures and provide better protection for frontline forest staff working in sensitive and high-risk zones.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by anti-poaching staff and forest workers, who put their lives on the line every day to protect India’s rich wildlife and forests.
