Bengaluru, 25 May

The three-day elephant census in the inter-state border forest areas of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala that aimed at preventing human-elephant conflict concluded on Saturday. The final day focused on elephant counts near water bodies.

The census covered a vast area, including 113 beats across 13 ranges of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, 43 beats of  Cauvery  Wildlife Sanctuary, and 71 beats in MM Hills Life Sanctuary, Madikeri Wildlife and Virajpet forest divisions. More than 250 forest officials in each division were part of the census. 

On the first day, the staff recorded elephant footprints, dung, and feeding signs covering approximately 15-20 kilometres in each beat confirming their presence. The findings were meticulously documented in census books. 

The second day involved more direct observation efforts, where teams continued to traverse their designated beats and recorded any elephants they encountered. The combination of direct sightings and indirect signs as footprints provided a comprehensive understanding of the elephant population in the area. The final day focused on counting elephants that came to drink at lakes and other water bodies. Staff members stationed themselves at strategic locations near water sources to observe and record the elephants' behaviour and the count. This method ensured that elephants not encountered during the beat walks were also counted.

The final report provides an accurate estimate of the elephant population in the forest areas, contributing valuable information for wildlife management and conservation efforts. 

The information helps in planning and implementing effective conservation strategies, ensuring the protection and preservation of elephants. The census primarily aims at addressing human-elephant conflict issues by identifying elephant movement patterns and habitats.

Forest dept seeks govt approval in capturing rogue elephant

Following the recent sighting of a rogue elephant, forest officials have sought government permission to capture the trouble-causing elephant and relocate it to another location for taming. The elephant was spotted in the Badaga-Banangala coffee plantation in Virajpet taluk.

The radio-collared elephant was earlier captured and was released back into the Antharasanthe forest in Mysuru district. The rogue elephant has been ransacking the plantations hence posing a threat to human safety. Following the concerns, the officials have submitted a proposal to the government through the Chief Conservator of Forests, seeking authorisation to capture the elephant. -Salar News