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