Belagavi
Showing great concern for wildlife, villagers in Devardderatti village, Athani taluk, rescued more than fifty baby crocodiles found near a farm pond. The eggs and hatchlings were discovered on the bank of a pond owned by farmer Appasaba Satyappa Nayak, who safely handed them over to the Forest Department.
A few months ago, a large crocodile was frequently seen in Nayak’s agricultural pond and nearby paddy fields. Suspecting that it had nested nearby, villagers acted quickly when they spotted a baby crocodile. They dug through the paddy fields and found over fifty baby crocodiles, which were then carefully rescued.
The presence of crocodiles has also been reported in Agrani Valley and surrounding wells, raising concerns among farmers about safety and crop damage. Many farmers have urged the Forest Department to capture the crocodiles promptly to protect both people and agriculture.
The sudden appearance of crocodiles in agricultural lands has created fear among villagers, affecting their daily work routines. The Forest Department is now investigating the situation and is expected to take necessary action to manage the crocodile population and ensure safety in the area.
This collective effort by the villagers highlights their respect for nature and wildlife, balancing human safety with conservation.