An Indian gaur caught by the forest department near Arenuru in Chikkamagaluru district on Saturday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The forest department captured a male Indian gaur, aged between 18 and 20 years, near Arenuru in Chikkamagaluru district on Saturday night, in what officials said was the first scientific capture of the species in south India.
The operation was initially planned at Koppa Estate near Koppa but was shifted to Arenur on Saturday afternoon as staff there reported no movement of gaur and received information about the animal wandering close to human habitations near Balehonnur.
“We have shifted the operation to Arenur. For the first time an Indian gaur has been captured scientifically,” said E. Shivashankar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Koppa Division. The animal is being taken to the Shivamogga zoo for observation, after which the department will decide to release it back into the forest, the officer said.
The operation is part of a wider initiative to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for the capture and relocation of Indian Gaurs causing conflict in the district. Six people have lost their lives in gaur attacks in Chikkamagaluru in the last three years.
Published – 16 May 2026 21:52 IST
