A M Annaiah
Wildlife Service Award (2001)
A.M. Annaiah’s exploits fighting illegal sandalwood and timber smugglers in the Shimoga district are legendary. In 1996, as DCF Chikmagalur Division, he lodged cases against well-connected coffee planters and other encroachers on forest land. On assuming charge of Nagarahole National Park in August 2000, he led from the front, strengthening protection in remote outposts. At least three armed encounters against poaching gangs have resulted and the menace of forest fires has been controlled.