Whenever there is a push for development works at Kukkarahalli Lake from the concerned authorities to make it as a tourism hub, environmentalists have been making claims about the need to protect Kukkarahalli Lake as it is one of the rich bio-diversity hot spot the city has. To give credence to it, wildlife enthusiasts S Chandru and Shylajesha S, who are part of group called Wild Mysuru, have spotted Jackels and have released a video on it.Speaking to us, Chandru says, “A pack of jackals lives in Kukkarahalli Lake premises. They feed on fish, black naped hare, insects and grass. We are fortunate to have this kind of wildlife at the heart of the city and Jackals are protected under wildlife protection act 1972. It is our duty to preserve it for future generations.” Expressing concerns about the increasing pressure on Kukkarahalli Lake, with people flocking in Kukkarahalli Lake for fitness purpose, which affects breeding of birds as well as animals like Jackals, Shylajesha adds, “As per our estimation, three jackals are living in Kukkarahalli lake. Jackals are shy animals which doesn’t cause any harm to human beings. As Kukkarahalli Lake is a popular spot for morning joggers, we need to keep animals away from human interventions, by declaring some area as core zones, so it helps to Jackals to breed and stay there without changing their territory. We had even requested concerned authorities in this regard. Some years back a jackal was killed by a speedy vehicle. We have also found stray dogs causing trouble to Jackals by attacking them. It is the fundamental the duty of every citizen to protect and improve natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife to have compassion for living creatures.”Dr Mewa Singh, professor of wildlife at University of Mysore, says, “Jackals are in Kukkarahalli Lake premises from the last two years. Jackals are protected animals just like elephants and tigers under wildlife act. Since Jackals cannot stay with ferocious animals Tigers in forest areas, they co-exist with human beings without posing any threat to us. We need to protect them in Kukkarahalli premises by creating conducive atmosphere to ensure Kukkarahalli lake lives up to the tag of bio-diversity.”

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