Kerala - Kochi   

Microchipping of elephants to begin soon

TRACKING THE ELEPHANT: The State Forest Department will begin the microchipping of captive elephants on October 2. — Photo: H. Vibhu

Microchipping of captive elephants has been one of the much-awaited steps towards the better monitoring of captive elephants in the State.

Originally, the State Forest Department was to implement the microchipping for the captive elephants some time in March this year. However, after a delay of nearly six months, the programme will take place in October.

The inauguration of microchipping of captive elephants will be the highlight of this year's Wildlife Week celebrations.

The microchipping will be launched in Kollam on October 2 to mark the beginning of the celebrations, said V. Gopinath, Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Department.

Identification number

The hypodermic microchip will be implanted behind the ear of the animal.

The device will have a unique number that would serve as its identification number. It was estimated that there were nearly 400 captive elephants in the State with proper documents and all these elephants would be microchipped, Mr. Gopinath said.

The microchip reader will give the number and relevant details of the animal once it is brought near the chip.

The Government of India-funded scheme of microchipping will also help in checking the alleged incidents of smuggling of elephants from neighbouring States and especially from the North East, he said.

The valedictory function of the Wildlife Week will be held in Kozhikode on October 8.

Competitions

In Kochi, the Forest Department would conduct series of competitions for school and college students to mark the observance of the week. The district-level competitions will be held on October 2 and 3 at the Ernakulam Maharaja's College.

Competitions will be held in pencil drawing, essay writing, water colour painting and quiz.

More details of the competitions can be obtained from the office of the Assistant Conservator of Forest, Social Forestry Division, at Manimala Road, Edapally. Details can also be obtained at Ph: 2344761.

K.S. Sudhi

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