Wild elephant that spread fear in inhabited areas tranquilised, fitted with radio collar and released into forest

KOCHI: A wild elephant that had repeatedly entered human settlements in Pindimana and Kottappady panchayats, causing damage and spreading fear among residents, was captured after being tranquilised and fitted with a radio collar. The male elephant, which had been creating panic for the past few weeks in the Kodanad Range and Mekkappala Forest Station areas of the Malayattoor Forest Division, was treated by forest officials before being released into the Karimpani forest area. The operation was carried out based on the recommendation of an expert committee constituted with the approval of the Chief Wildlife Warden.

The operation began at around 5.30 am on Thursday (June 25) under the leadership of veterinary doctors Dr Binoy C. Babu (AVFO, Abhayaranyam Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, Kodanad) and Dr Mithun O.V (AVFO, Thrissur). The first tranquiliser shot was fired at around 8.30 am, but the elephant moved deeper into the forest. Further attempts were made at 2 pm and 3.30 pm, after which the elephant was successfully brought under control.

During the medical examination, the veterinary team found a serious injury near the left front molar area of the elephant. The initial assessment suggested that the injury may have been caused by biting an explosive substance. The injured area was then cleaned, and antibiotics and other medicines were administered to prevent infection. A radio collar was fitted on the elephant at around 5 pm. Signals from the collar will help officials monitor the elephant's movement every 10 minutes. This will allow authorities to identify in advance if the elephant is moving towards human settlements and take necessary safety measures.

The operation was carried out by a team including Chalakudy Divisional Forest Officer M. Venkateswaran, Kodanad Range Officer (Additional Charge) Ludheesh E.B., Thundathil Range Officer Nikhil Jerome, Kuttampuzha Range Officer Muraleedhas V.P., Mekkappala Deputy Range Officer Didheesh, Malayattoor RRT Deputy Range Officer Abin, Central Circle Conservation Biologist Arjun C.P., and NGO representative Hariprasad. Staff from the Malayattoor RRT, Mekkappala, Bhoothathankettu and Perunthode forest stations also took part in the mission.

On Wednesday (June 24), a meeting was held with local body representatives and residents under the leadership of Nature Study Centre Assistant Conservator of Forest Jyothish J. Ozhakkal and Kodanad Range Officer (Additional Charge) E.B. Ludheesh. The officials explained the details of the operation and arranged necessary safety measures for the public.