The Hindu : Front Page : No life lost to elephant menace in 2005

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 20, 2006

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No life lost to elephant menace in 2005

M. Gunasekaran

`Increased awareness among people in Valparai is the reason'

VALPARAI: Amid concerns over the conflict between elephants and humans at Valparai, wildlife biologists heave a sigh of relief, because, for the first time in a decade, there was no loss of life in 2005.

This is significant in the backdrop of the death of 28 persons since 1994. The Valparai plateau is witnessing a huge loss to property due to elephants moving through the labour lines.

Wildlife Warden K.R. Varadharajan says increasing awareness among the people and the methods adopted by the Forest Department personnel in tackling elephants that enter human habitations may be the reasons for the year passing without any death.

However, it is not proper to jump to a conclusion going by the trend in just one year; it needs further study, he admits. M. Anadhakumar of Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, says three herds of 41 elephants use the plateau regularly.

Habitat lost

The elephants may have lost their habitats, what with the plantations obstructing their migratory path. Mr. Anandhakumar suggests measures to be taken by the planters, Government agencies and conservation organisation to avert the conflict.

The regular routes of elephants through the plantation landscape should be set aside. At least 30 metres along the Sholayar, Nadu Ar and Sirikunda rivers should be restored with natural vegetation. This is possible if the Government provides incentive for planters.

Avoid rice storage

It is pointed out that most of the deaths occurred between November and February every year, and the most affected were ration shops and noon-meal centres. The storage of rice, a favourite item for the pachyderms, should be avoided.

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