#Ajayan
Kochi | While it is once an accepted reality that elephants encroach upon human habitats during the arid summer months, driven by a desperate search for sustenance and hydration, a troubling new trend has emerged. The monsoon season now witnesses a dramatic surge in these majestic giants intruding upon human settlements, not only wreaking havoc on crops but also tragically claiming human lives. Moreover, often cow elephants with their calves are seen in and around human habitats. This unexpected shift has left forest officials and environmentalists perplexed as also deeply concerned.This phenomenon persists even after a recent May survey, the findings of which were unveiled by the Kerala Forest Minister recently, indicating a reduction of 127 elephants in the State this year. Experts, though skeptical of these numbers, stress the imperative need for a scientific investigation into this alarming trend of pachyderms encroaching upon human domains during rains. While the allure of easily accessible food in plantations might partly explain their migration, there is also the pressing issue of these animals with calves seeking refuge and safety.
Forest watchers said that not a dusk or night goes by without calls to their offices of elephants encroaching upon human settlements. Some, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that it is predominantly cow elephants with their calves drawing near to human habitats, prompting frantic calls to forest offices. One seasoned observer remarked that years of experience in the wilderness indicate that these elephants venture out of the dense forests primarily for safety reasons, as their vulnerable calves become easy prey for lurking predators. They also suggest that the mere presence of tigers can instill profound fear within herds tending to their calves.
Dr EA Jayson, a former principal scientist with the Kerala Forest Research Institute and renowned authority on big mammals, told Metro Vaartha that there was no scientific evidence or recorded observation of tigers attacking elephants. However, he conceded that elephant calves could indeed become vulnerable prey for such formidable predators.During heavy downpours, elephants tend to leave the dense forest cover and venture into open spaces, driven by the instinct to avoid the danger of falling branches. Moreover, the presence of calves within the herd compels them to seek safer, more open areas, often bringing them closer to human settlements, he added.
Another compelling factor prompting elephant movement is the easy availability of food, particularly the allure of banana plantations. During the months of July and August, these plants reach maturity, and their succulent stems become highly favoured by elephants, often leading to crop raids. Dr Jayson emphasized the necessity for area-specific studies to meticulously assess these movements, as there might be unique, localized reasons behind such behaviour. Sabu Jihas, a distinguished wildlife biologist renowned for his solo efforts in reclaiming lands from elephant corridors in Wayanad and Karnataka and transferring them to the forest department, highlighted the critical concern of safety for elephants.
This, he explained, often drives them to move out of their natural habitats. He underscored the importance of studying the prey-predator dynamics behind these movements, citing a notable incident in the 1990s within the Sabarimala ranges, where a tiger attack on an elephant herd resulted in an elephant calf being attacked and devoured by tigers.
Moreover, Sabu Jihas observed that encroachments within forest reserves, manifesting as the construction of roads, buildings, and resorts, along with activities associated with tourism promotion, have compelled elephants to venture out, regardless of the season. These human intrusions disrupt their natural habitat, driving them to seek refuge and sustenance beyond the confines of the forest.
Elephant survey
The simultaneously conducted survey from May 23 to 25 across Kerala, Karnataka. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to assess the elephant population was in the backdrop of rising cases of human-elephant conflict.According to the survey, the elephant population in Periyar and Nilambur reserves was quite stable, but there was a substantial drop in Wayanad and Anamudi reserves. The report attributes the drop of around 29 per cent in Wayanad to the extreme heat conditions during this summer. However, adjoining reserves in neighbouring Karnataka received good rainfall prior to the count.
The report highlights that developmental pressures in and around elephant habitats significantly impact the movement of these majestic pachyderms. Measures such as solar fencing, trenches, and concrete walls disrupt their natural connectivity, isolating populations and hindering their movement within their home range. The report warns that such interventions, if not implemented with consideration for maintaining connectivity, will only exacerbate human-elephant conflict, intensifying the challenges faced by elephants and humans alike.
