This article focuses on a recent, controversial court ruling involving Asian elephants in India. The Kerala High Court has ordered the relocation of Arikomban, the “Rice Tusker” of Munnar, a wild elephant notorious for raiding agricultural land, to a nature reserve. This move has sparked fresh discussions about the impact and effectiveness of this practice known as ‘elephant translocation’.
The Case For Elephant Translocation
The high court based its decision primarily on ensuring the availability of natural resources for the elephant at the new location, arguing that this would decrease the elephant’s inclination of raiding human settlements for food. It was also pointed out that a radio-collar would be used to keep tabs on the elephant’s movements, aiding foresters and wildlife officials in preventing conflicts.
Concerns Raised Against Elephant Translocation
Counter arguments suggest that translocation might not always prove effective. Studies conducted in 2006 and 2012 highlighted instances where translocated elephants continued to cause chaos in human settlements. The 2012 study, which tracked 12 Asian elephants relocated to various national parks in Sri Lanka, found that translocation resulted in escalated human-elephant conflict and increased elephant mortality.
About Elephants & Their Significance
Elephants, regarded as a ‘Keystone Species’, are vital for maintaining a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Their consumption and dissemination of vast quantities of vegetation each day aids in seed spreading. They also create clearings in dense forests, letting sunlight in to aid the growth of new plant life. Another significant contribution elephants make is the creation of water access points during dry seasons, providing water for other species as well.
Elephants in India: Population & Conservation Status
India is home to some 29,964 wild Asian elephants as per a 2017 census by Project Elephant, accounting for about 60% of the global population. The highest numbers are found in Karnataka, followed by Assam and Kerala. Among conservation initiatives, India’s Project Elephant was established in 1992 to safeguard elephants and their habitats.
International Efforts Toward Elephant Conservation
Worldwide, awareness and conservation measures are in place to protect these magnificent creatures. World Elephant Day, celebrated annually on August 12, emphasizes the urgent need for elephant protection. The Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) Programme is another global initiative that assesses the causes and trends in elephant mortality.
Assessing Impacts & Considerations for Elephant Relocation
Each elephant relocation requires careful review considering the specific circumstances of the problem elephant and the proposed relocation site. Research should be conducted to evaluate natural food and water resources availability, habitat suitability, and potential risks associated with translocation.
The Importance of Monitoring & Management
Effective monitoring and management plans should be in place, including post-relocation surveillance and conflict mitigation measures.
Alternative Methods to Elephant Translocation
Capturing and training wild elephants using ‘kunkis’, trained elephants used for capturing wild ones, presents a promising approach for translocation. This method can offer benefits such as increased safety during capture, reduced stress on translocated elephants, and potentially improved success rates for translocation efforts.
