The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently instructed the Odisha government to create a plan of action for 14 known elephant corridors, sparking renewed discussion on the significance of these corridors and their protection. This directive has drawn attention to a number of factors from the history of NGT Orders to details about elephants themselves.
The Background and the NGT Order
Back in 2017, the NGT released an order prohibiting all activities that would not be suitable for a Highly Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This order also insisted upon expedited demarcation of these corridors within a set time frame. Unfortunately, despite the Odisha government proposing 14 corridors spanning approximately 870.61 sq.km with a length of 420.8 km, no significant progress has been made.
Importance of Elephant Corridors
Elephant corridors are small stretches of land connecting two larger elephant habitats. Their preservation is integral in reducing animal fatalities from accidents among others, particularly as forest fragmentation continues. These corridors promote the survival and birth rate of elephants by facilitating movement. To date, the Wildlife Trust of India has identified 88 such corridors under the National Elephant Corridor Project.
The Threats to Elephant Corridors
Corridor fragmentation is often caused by human developments such as settlements, roads, railway lines, electric lines, canals, and mining. This fragmentation poses a substantial threat to the elephants, as it is through these corridors that elephants move to ensure their populations remain genetically viable. However, with forty percent of elephant reserves being outside protected parks and sanctuaries, migration corridors lack specific legal protection. Agriculture and unregulated tourism also jeopardize these important paths, leading to increased elephant-human conflict.
The Elephants: Keystone Species
As keystone species, elephants hold significant ecological importance. Three subspecies of Asian elephant exist; the Indian, Sumatran, and Sri Lankan. The Indian elephant, accounting for most of the remaining continental elephants, has the broadest range. Despite this, their population is dwindling according to the 2017 elephant census.
Conservation Efforts
Efforts to protect elephants are underway via a variety of initiatives. For example, ‘Gaj Yatra’, a nationwide campaign was launched on World Elephant Day in 2017, aiming to safeguard elephants. Furthermore, ‘Project Elephant’ was initiated in 1992 with objectives including elephant protection, addressing man-animal conflict issues, and the welfare of captive elephants.
Internationally, the Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Program was established by the Conference Of Parties (COP) resolution of CITES in South Asia in 2003. Its purpose is to monitor levels and trends in illegal hunting of elephants and assess the impact of any decisions taken by the COP to CITES.
A Look Ahead
It’s clear that more efforts should be made to expand elephant corridors, using successful models within the country and funds from private sources. The removal of human interference in these pathways is critical, as is sensitization and awareness among people at large to prevent poaching and illegal trades. Additionally, technologies such as drones and satellites could be employed for improved monitoring throughout the corridors.