Forest Department enforces guidelines to combat wildlife hunting in north Karnataka

Karnataka's Forest Department is tackling illegal wildlife hunting in the north with new guidelines. The plan focuses on raising awareness and clamping down on social media glorification of hunting, addressing a rise in wildlife crimes.

BRIC Team

Jul 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 4 views

Forest Department enforces guidelines to combat wildlife hunting in north Karnataka

Key Takeaways

•On May 29, Karnataka officials discussed new guidelines to combat illegal wildlife hunting amid rising trophy and ritual hunting incidents.
•Principal Chief Conservator Kumar Pushkar warned that hunters are glorifying illegal kills on social media, complicating conservation efforts.
•Conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni highlighted that hunting with packs of dogs is increasingly common in northern Karnataka, targeting species like the Indian Hare.
•The Forest Department plans to organize legal awareness workshops for field staff to better handle wildlife crime cases and collaborate with local police.
•Demands for legal reforms include expediting notifications under the Karnataka Forest Act of 1963 to enhance long-term wildlife habitat protection.

Karnataka's Forest Department is stepping up its crackdown on illegal wildlife hunting,especially in north. New guidelines target trophy and ritual hunts,which have surged recently.

On May 29, during video call, officials discussed boosting conservation awareness among locals. Principal Chief Conservator Kumar Pushkar and Additional Conservator Bishwajit Mishra stressed quick action against hunters flaunting kills online.

Pushkar noted troubling trend: hunters celebrating illegal acts on social media. This complicates conservation work. Conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni from Belagavi had earlier suggested strategies to combat illegal hunting in area.

With poaching incidents rising, officers must pinpoint illegal hunting hotspots and create educational programs for youth and schools . Aim is to foster conservation awareness.

Field officers instructed to register wildlife crime cases,take legal action . They're also to monitor social media for wildlife crime posts,trace culprits,work with cybercrime units. Each division will have tech-savvy officer to assist.

Workshops will train field staff on wildlife crime laws,with legal experts guiding them on case management. Aim is to ready officers for active cases,ensure smooth cooperation with police on wildlife crimes .

Kulkarni expressed concern over northern Karnataka's hunting practices,noting hunters often use packs of dogs. Species like Indian Hare,Indian Porcupine,and Bengal Fox often targeted. Social media posts glorifying hunts reveal deeper societal issues tied to economic,cultural,and awareness gaps .

Kulkarni's memo to state government emphasized hunting incidents aren't just enforcement issues . They're driven by traditions,lack of education in poorer areas. Many species live outside protected zones,requiring broader conservation strategy.

Conservationists urge community involvement,citizen reporting to combat illegal hunting. Engaging local leaders to discourage ritual hunting is key. They call for more funding for conservation,including student programs on wildlife,forests.

Push for legal reforms to expedite forest area notifications under Karnataka Forest Act of 1963 also underway. Delays here threaten habitat protection. Completing Consolidated Record of Forest Lands (CRFL),working with Revenue Department on afforestation crucial for safeguarding areas.

As guidelines roll out,focus is on cultivating respect for wildlife,raising conservation awareness in local communities . Success hinges on enforcement,community involvement…

#Karnataka