Forest dept collects jumbo data to check man-animal conflict
Category : Wildlife |
Location : Tamil Nadu | Posted on 2021-08-11 23:10:28
Realising that the solution to the unabated man-animal conflict can be found only if there is complete data on animals with experts, a study has been commissioned in Tamil Nadu on landscape-level management of the Asian elephants.
The Union forest and environment ministry has commissioned the study that will be undertaken through individual-level monitoring in human dominated landscapes and collaring select individual elephants. At least six elephants in the Hosur-Dharmapuri landscape, including the Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary, have been identified for the ame, according to Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Bhupendar Yadav. This is one of the replies by the minister to a set of questions raised by Vaiko, Rajya Sabha MP in connection with human-elephant conflict.
The reply by the minister revealed that 87 elephants died in the country during 2020-21 (upto December 2020) while 359 human deaths due to elephant conflict were reported during the same period.
Another reply by the minister mentions that critical elephant habitats are notified as elephant reserves for focus and synergy in elephant conservation and to reduce conflict. So far 30 elephant reserves have been established in 14 major elephant states, including Tamil Nadu.
Shekar Kumar Niraj, principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden, told TOI, "The study in Tamil Nadu was mooted in 2020 in Coimbatore region. But due to the pandemic the study did not see much progress".
The study involves the dynamic and growth of elephants in different landscapes involving multiple objects. "Once the study is over in the Coimbatore region, the same will be extended to other regions in Tamil Nadu, where elephant populations are found", said Niraj. He further said, "We are looking at new perspectives to learn about the management of elephants in human habitats. Different scientific measures are being adopted so that unnecessary capture of elephants can be avoided".
As a first step to release elephants in captivity, the case of elephant Rivaldo is significant and could help in understanding the freeing of more elephants in captivity.
"We are ensuring the safety of the jumbo as well the villagers there in Vazhaithottam and Mavanallah by taking all precautionary measures", said Niraj.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/forest-dept-collects-jumbo-data-to-check-man-animal-conflict/articleshowprint/85246764.cms
