DR. KRISH ASOKAN: A LEGEND WILDLIFE VET OF INDIA

Pashudhan Praharee salutes the legend wildlife veterinarian of India Dr. Krish Asokan for his extraordinary service in the field of wildlife. A brief Biography of Dr. Krish Asokan is as follows:

Biography:

I was born on 12th June, 1965, Salem District, Tamilnadu State. I am a Veterinarian and did my graduation in Tamilnadu Veterinary & Animal Science University, Chennai (1984 to 1989). I am the first Veterinarian to get RTI-Online Certificate (Grade A) in Tamil Nadu State 2011.

About Myself:

As a Forest Wildlife Veterinarian & Zoo Director, I have a deep attitude and aptitude to create a deep awareness among the people about the significance and specialty of our varied fauna. Conservation of wild animals in forest to preserve them free from pollution is the foremost duty of every Indian citizen. Regarding this, I have conducted Eco – Awareness camp and classes to women and school children.

Preservation of wildlife from man-made hazards is a mission of my life. I have attempted to initiate the importance of the usage of Eco- friendly products in daily life such as low cost Bio Gas Plant, Coir Geo Textile, Ecofriendly Women Self Help Group Livelihood products.

I have conducted many post mortem of Wild Animals. Several post-mortems and their anatomy offered me an opportunity to appreciate and admire the skills of omnipotent and omnipresent power of god.

Areas of Work:

1. a) Outstanding Scientific Work / Field work for Preservation and Conservation of Wildlife, especially the endangered species.
2. d) Awareness, Motivation and extension Work
3. c) Post-Tsunami Rehabilitation of Agriculture and Fisheries Livelihoods

I have organised over 500 awareness programme in all topics (Sea Turtle conservation, Sea Pollution, Environmental Pollution and its impact, Community based disaster management and awareness training etc..) And I also have covered more than 50000 participants from the fisher man community and gave the awareness training programme for them. These training programme were very useful for the community people

Coimbatore Corporation Veterinary Officer & Zoo Director 2011 to 2014 :

Leading the Way in Wildlife Conservation at the Zoo:

One of the Small zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country,

VOC Park Zoo’s Conservation is dedicated to improving animal management and wildlife conservation.

Today, with species threatened and habitats disappearing worldwide, zoos are playing a new role in conservation. But are they really achieving what they claim? A growing number of critics argue no.

The world’s wildlife is under threat. And we’re playing a big part in the battle to protect threatened species and habitats.

My achievements are as follows.

 2011 to 2014, More than 700 school & College students have
visited the Zoo from all over the state.

 Many training & Awareness programs are being conducted for
the college and school students.

 Wildlife & Captive animal Management Orientation Program
for Veterinary College Students & Forest College students
 More than 200 snakes were rescued and rehabilitated last year  More than 200 Birds rescue and rehabilitated

 Treatment for Chameleons First time in Tamilnadu State

I’m the first veterinarian who has been successful in conducting the following surgeries:

 Cancer Surgery for Cobra (First time in India)

 Multiple Abscess Surgery for Rat Snake.

 Surgery for Indian Black Kite (More than 20 Kites).  Surgery for Peacock (More than 20Nos).
 Eye Surgery on Indian Black Kite
 Eagle loses leg Zoo to fix artificial one

 Python Hatched 22 Eggs, Russell Viper hatched 43 egg,
Green Vein Snake

 58 egg hatches, Cobra 36 eggs.

 Treatment for Chameleons First time in Tamilnadu State
(more than 100)

Reptiles and Birds conservation:

My noteworthy achievement was rescuing, treating and rehabilitating more than 200 snakes (both venomous and non-venomous) and also 1200 birds.
This is a kind of species conservation work in as much as these were not allowed to rot and die. The other animals brought to the zoo were treated properly, kept for some time till they recover and released back to where they belong.

I am the first veterinarian in our state who had successfully conducted these many surgeries for snakes and birds. Some rare cases are: a cancer surgery for cobra; multiple abscess surgery for rat snake; surgery to remove the fish hook which was stuck in the throat of a water snake (Olive keel back); a surgery to resurrect a mutilated cobra; treatment of cobra eye cataract.
around 1200 birds were rescued and rehabilitated during this period; rare surgery to restore a peacock’s vision; fixing artificial limb for a peacock; a surgery on Indian black kite for corneal opacity; numerous surgeries done on peacocks for multiple injuries; aluminum beak fixing for quail; etc. Almost all of them were saved and released back to the wild.

Reptile Captive breeding:

Further, because of best zoo management and husbandry activity enormous reptile birth were recorded, one of the python at the zoo hatched 22 eggs, A Cobra 45 Eggs, Russell viper hatched 23 eggs and green vine snake 45 baby’s birth recorded.

This was a fantastic development and resulted in positive conservation measures. Mini zoo continued to concentrate primarily on the conservation of rare herpetofauna such as Snakes, Pythons, and Monitor Lizards, smooth snakes, frog and toads and since the inception members of mini zoo were encouraged to carry out monitoring and habitat management & restoration of reptiles and to carry out measures to prevent Reptile – Human Conflicts in Tamilnadu. Treatments for Chameleons (more than 100) were also carried out for the First time in Tamilnadu State.

Measurable Impact: Wild Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation

Have saved the life of more than 13 wild elephants which were in the verge of death following electric Shock & Gun shot. After Recovery they were released into the forests in good health condition.

One-man Killer Makhna wild elephant was ordered to be shot dead in Kerala State. It was captured alive safely. The animal had more than 10 gunshot injuries all over the body. Its legs were in deplorable condition. This pachyderm was provided best treatment at a cost of more than 3 lakhs and now the makhna elephant is in good condition.

A poisoned wild panther was rescued from probable death, through timely effective treatment for 7 days, after recovery the animal was set free into forest.

Rescue & Rehabilitation of Orphan elephant Calf & Panther Cubs

Wild Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation 2016 to 2019 Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

1. A Male wild elephant aged about 10 years was rescued from a 60 feet deep dry well after a continuous treatment for 20 hours the male elephant was successfully rescued and sent back into the forest to join its herd- PNP Range, Coimbatore Forest division.

2. 2. A female wild Elephant aged about 15 years was rescued from 7 feet depth marsh area nearby Bhavanisagar dam, Sirumugai reserve forest, Coimbatore
3. In Coimbatore recently, in May 2017, a problematic wild tusker which entered into Coimbatore city which was responsible for four human 4 causalities was successfully tranquilized and relocated within six hours.
4. During Oct-2016 an Orphaned male calf which was only 10 days old was rescued treated and sent to Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Coimbatore Division.

5. A female wild Elephant aged about 12 years was rescued from back water area surrounding the Bhavanisagar dam in Bhavanisagar area of Coimbatore Forest Division.

6. A female wild Elephant aged about 22 years was rescued along with its male calf (1year).after a successful treatment for 26 hours, both the elephant and its calf were returned back to forest area area in T.N.Palayam Range of Coimbatore Forest Division.

7. Other Wild animals like Indian Gaur, Sloth Bear, and Wild Boar were also rescued and sent back into forest in good health condition in Sathyamangalam range of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.

8. Captive breeding of wild mammals, Reptiles and Birds, standardizing the
   protocol for prophylactic measures against diseases in captivity were done
   regularly.
9. Treatment, performing surgery, providing convalescent therapy to different species of wild animals both in captive and free ranging conditions and successfully released them into natural habitats.
10. Initiated and carried out prophylactic measures against infectious diseases in and around wildlife sanctuaries and reserves of Tamil Nadu forest department.
11. Wildlife education, techniques of veterinary care, awareness creation about wild fauna to the public, school teachers and college students on a regular basis.
12. Conducted number of post-mortems on many wild animal species, analyzed the causes of death and helped in wild life disease management planning in Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

Wildlife Toxicology:

Emerging Contaminant creating biodiversity Issues

Wild Elephant and Indian Gaur more than 25 cases were identified

Poisoning invasive wildlife may be counter-productive to farmers; Humanwildlife conflict has become a thorny issue especially now that farmers are opening up more forests for economic benefits. Threatened wild animals attack humans as they invade farms for livestock or crops for food because of the shrinking land resource.

Wild Animal Postmortem:

Few Wild elephants were killed using the novel method of explosive blasts and the use of Nails fixed in the wooden box etc…

In Another incident plastic carry bags were found in the stomach of spotted deer and Sambar deer, resultantly plastic carry bags were banned in the Nilgiris Biosphere

Wild Animal Disease: Bacterial Disease Hemorrhagic Septicemia was enhanced and diagnosed by me for the first time in Tamilnadu state

4 Different types of Tape Worms were identified by me from the intestine of Captives & Wild Elephants

Training and Awareness Programme:

The ultimate satisfaction of the job is, the animal brought for treatment was well attended, quarantined for some time without any human imprint and released back to wild for a new life in natural environment. This is the passion driving me to work without any regret in various places wherever I get posted. I am very happy in doing this and continue this work of saving species through my veterinary knowledge.

I keep on continuing my species conservation work by treating rescued animals, creating a deep awareness among the people about the significance and role of wild animals in ecosystem by conducting various awareness programmes, eco camps to suit all walks of life.

I had chance to create awareness to more than 700 schools and colleges about wildlife conservation. Awareness creation was done by training, orientation and interaction. Students were drawn from school, college (arts, veterinary, and forestry) and Professional Institutions.

CONSERVATION CAMPAIGNS:

I have conducted many Environmental Awareness Programs and
Workshops through various PPT, Posters and Videos for the school and college students, tourists, State Forest Department staffs and public for more than 10 years. During 2013-2014, more than 600 School and College students have participated from Coimbatore district which has hit a huge record.

Publications:

My work has been highly appreciated by many higher officials and also my work has been published in many Leading news Papers like The Hindu, Deccan Chronicle, Indian Express, Times of India, Dinakaran, Dhinathanthi . My article regarding Environmental Pollution has been still published in the book Pasumai India on a monthly basis in Tamilnadu State.

Certificates:

For these works and Other Development programmes, Forest Department and the District Collectors have awarded me with certificates of merit and medals. Appreciation Certificates were received from Non-Government Organizations.

Submitted By; Dr.K.Asokan.B.V.Sc,

Forest Veterinary Officer, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

BIO – DATA

Name : Dr.K.Asokan.B.V.Sc

Age : 55 Years

Date of birth : 12-06-1965

Mobile : 09443883164

Email : wildlifevet1965@gmail.com

Address for communication:

78/89,Ramasamy Layout, DPF Street,
Pappanaikenpalayam (PO),Coimbatore-37

Department-: Animal Husbandry Department

Date of first appointment :06.04.1990,

Post: :Forest Veterinary Officer
Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Educational Qualifications:

Year of passing	Qualification	Specialisation or Subjects	School / College / University / Institute	Total marks %/ CGPA
1984-1989	B.V.Sc	Veterinary Medicine	Tamilnadu Veterinary & Animal science University	2.27
Wildlife Training Programme Certificate
18.05.1998 to 23.05.1998	Handling of Tranquillizer Gun		College of Veterinary & Animal Science University, Mannuthy, Kerala State
09-08-1999 to 13.08.1999	Wildlife Health & Investigation		Madras Veterinary College, Chennai
01-11.2006 to 03-11-2006	Management of Natural Disaster		Anna Institute of Management, Chennai
28-06-2010 to 24-07-2010	Safe City- Disaster Management Training- Web based course		National Institute of Disaster Management, Delhi
17.09.2010 to 28.09.2010	Basic Fire Fighting & Rescue		Tamilnadu Fire & Rescue Service department, Nagapattinam
05-01-2011	Wildlife Management		Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai

WORK EXPERIENCE:

ROLES OF VETERINARIANSIN WILDLIFE HEALTH AND
ECOSYSTEM

No of years	Organisation	Designation	Job responsibilities
1996 to 2000	Tamilnadu Forest Department	Wildlife Veterinarian Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park	Elephant camp Management, Orphan calf rearing, Wild animal Rescue & Rehabilitation
2001 to 2004	Tamilnadu Rural Development Department Nilgiris and Coimbatore	Extension Officer	Environmental Conservation Programme, Reptile & Birds Surgery, Women Development Programmes, Awareness Programme for Rural People ,New model Biogas Plant (Human waste and Dung)Introduced in Coimbatore and Gudalur
2005 to 2011	Animal Husbandry Department and Rural Development Department	City Veterinarian and Tsunami Project Consult and Coordinator	Implementation of Tsunami Rehabilitation Programmes, Awareness programme for Rural People, Sea Turtle Conservation Programme
2011 to 2014	Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation	Veterinary Officer & Zoo Director	Zoo Management, Rescue and Rehabilitation of Reptile and Birds, Awareness Programme for College & School Students and Forest Staffs
2014-2016	Veterinary Hospital	Veterinarian	Surgery for snake and Peacock and Barn Owls, Post-mortem conducted for Spotted Deer and Wild elephant
2016 to Till date	Tamilnadu Forest Department	Forest Veterinary Officer	Wild animal Rescue & Rehabilitation