HSI/AHF 2007

Many animals too refuge from flooding on the "Highway of Death" in Velavadar Park in India.

Annual monsoon rains in India's Western Gujarat State have left more than 50 people dead and tens of thousands homeless. On the Western side of the Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat, flash floods generated by the burst Kadubhar Dam also killed wildlife, many of them endangered, in the area around the Velavadar National Park and Sanctuary.

More than 130 endangered Blackbucks, a type of deer, have been found dead. Most surviving Blackbucks have already found stable ground, but as the water recedes, more reports of deaths are expected. 

Velavadar National Park has the largest population of Blackbucks in India. They are protected under India's strict wildlife laws and are just one of many species that call Velavadar home. Other endangered and threatened animals include the Indian wolf, Stripped Hyena, and the Houbara Bustard and Lesser Florican birds.

An HSI India and Animal Help Foundation flood assessment and disaster response team was dispatched to the region at the request of the Gujarat State Forest Department. The team is working in conjunction with the government officials and villagers to find surviving animals. The HSI/AHF team is also using the opportunity to educated villagers and forestry workers about local wildlife and its importance in regional environmental stability.

Rescued from a Deadly Road

The HSI/AHF team, including an expert herpetologist, is also working to rescue amphibians, reptiles and other animals who have taken refuge on elevated roads that encircle the Velavadar. The animals, who climbed onto the roads to escape the water, now face death or injury from passing vehicles.

Dubbed "The Highway of Death" by the team, dozens of endangered birds, lizards, snakes and mammals were observed lifeless on the road. HSI/AHF responders are relocating animals they find on the highway or stuck in the mud to safer parts of the Park. Before each animal is released, the team records data for research and future reference.

"Roadkill is not uncommon in any part of the world but to see 76 reptiles of eight different species within a span of a few hundred meters was really something," said Rahul Seghal, HSI India's Director. "Also, this being the breeding season for most reptiles, the unfortunate animals were mostly gravid [carrying fully developed eggs] and this could have a serious effect on the ecology of the area."

HSI/AHF 2007

Rescued pregnant Lesser Agama

One Lesser Agama (shown at right) who the team rescued even showed signs of appreciation. Uncharacteristic of a species normally wary of humans, the little lizard patiently waited, barely squirming, until her rescuers found a suitable, safe spot for her and the precious eggs she was carrying.

Rescuers are patrolling the approximately 20 miles of road around Velavadar to pick up injured animals and transport them to the AHF Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (Wild World) for treatment and later release.

Crocodiles in Translation

The rescue team is also working to humanely trap and relocate two crocodiles who are stranded by the floodwaters with no escape route. Villagers who fear these animals tragically beat one to death, even though the HSI/AHF team tried to intervene and save the crocodile.

Using this unfortunate incident as an example against unnecessary alarm, the rescuers explained that the animals were simply trying to escape and were not a threat to the villagers or their cattle.

Since rescue operations started on July 9, the rain has ceased and the floodwaters surrounding Velavadar have started to recede. Incidents of animals being killed on the highway have dropped significantly since the team initiated their efforts.

If the skies open again, HSI/AHF remains ready to respond.