Mysore: It was a tragic World Wildlife Day for S. Manikandan, director of Project Tiger, Nagarahole national park, as he was attacked and crushed by a lone tusker while estimating the damage wrought by a forest fire in DB Kuppe wildlife range, HD Kote taluk, on Saturday.
This senior forest officer was moving about in Kakanakote forest area along with ten other colleagues when the pachyderm charged at him and knocked him cold. He was rushed to HD Kote hospital but was declared brought dead. His body was handed over to his family after an autopsy at KR Hospital, Mysuru. He is survived by his wife, 14 year old daughter and a son aged nine.
Mr Manikandan, who joined Indian Forest Service (IFS) in 2001, was known for his efforts to curb human-wildlife conflict, and rehabilitation of tribals.
