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Bhutan's
Nature - Animals
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Wild dog
Sometime
in the mid-70s, the government initiated the mass poisoning of wild dogs
that terrorized farmers and fed on their cattle. Most of the carnivores
were killed and soon forgotten. Now after almost 22 years, the wild dogs
are back. This time the law is on their side. In lower Kheng region,
Zhemgang dzongkhag, the carnivores are believed to be on the rampage
killing cattle and giving farmers sleepless nights. Wild dogs are a nightmare
to farmers. |
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Last
year more than 36 cattle were lost under Goshing geog from the villages
of Ngarang, Drimjang, Dumjang and Karmabii, which consist of few households,
despite constant vigil. Many more cattle are believed to have been killed
in Dumti, Barpong and Phuling villages. Similar incidents have also been
reported in other nearby geogs like Langdubi and Ngangla. Most of
these geogs are two to three days walk from the nearest motor road. |
For
farmers a loss of a cow is harsh since most depend on the animal for cheese
and butter which they sell for cash and use the dung as fertilizer. Cattle
can cost between Nu 5000 to Nu 15,000, depending on its breed. One farmer
lost about 14 cows in Goshing geog. Most farmers have resorted to keeping
cattle caged fearing more losses. The wild dogs prey in packs of 20 to
25. They are larger than the domestic dogs, and are of a brownish colour
with a black nose and a black tail.
Farmers
said that the only positive spin-off from the wild dog explosion
in their geogs is the reduction of the wild boar menace. The wild boars
in the area have reportedly drifted downwards into other geogs wrecking
farmlands and crops.
The
farmers of lower Kheng, however, are not alone grappling with the problem.
Forestry
officials in Wangduephodrang say that wild dog attacks have resurfaced
in Phobjikha and Kabji geog. Cases have also been reported in Thimphu Dagala
area and in Changkha and Dagapela in Dagana dzongkhag. According
to the Nature Conservation Division (NCD) it's been about three
years since the re-appearance of the wild dogs.
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