Help Save Elephants in India

Wildlife conservation today is in a challenging situation with the increase in demand for land by/for people and the diminishing space set aside for wildlife. Among all, the situation is grim for India’ National Heritage Animal, the Elephant, whose population today is facing the major setback due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The historical range of elephants in India has considerably shrunk confining this magnificent species to distinct geographical zones. India today holds more than 50% of all the Asian Elephant population in 12 states, being limited to patchy forest cover interspersed with human habitation. However, the elephant being large-bodied, continuously move around in search of food and water and for such movement uses these fragmented and degraded linear patches of forests connecting major habitats, commonly known as Elephant corridors. Wildlife Trust of India has identified 101 such Corridors across India and working tirelessly to secure them to provide the right of Passage for Elephants through four significant Models. One such model is Green Corridor Champions (GCCs) which identifies and creates local stakeholders ( e.g. local Influencers, individuals, organizations, and policymakers) for monitoring and maintaining the integrity of these corridors which would be the ideal solution to rising human-elephant conflict as per the studies. As of now, WTI has successfully secured six Elephant Corridors and closely maintaining regular surveillance over the wildlife movement.

However, movement of elephants across corridors often brings them in close contact to human settlements leading to conflict. The positive and negative attributes of corridors only stress on the need to protect forest cover and reduce the pace of habitat loss. The more forest cover we lose elephants are going to be drawn more towards human settlements and fields for easy food and water.

One such habitat-threatening situation recently has been underway in Gorumara National Park, North West Bengal. This protected area surrounded by Lataguri reserve forest in the south and Chaparamani Wildlife sanctuary in the north is a semi-evergreen forest, rich in megafaunas such as one-horned Rhinoceros and Asian elephants. Elephants frequently use this stretch of forest and stray into the adjoining villages to raid crops. Lataguri, also a growing tourist hub, became an important midway stoppage for tourists plying on the Jalpaiguri-Malbazar route, which incidentally runs through the National Park. Given the economic benefits, the state administration planned to expand the road and railway infrastructure. There were reports of over 500 full grown trees and 2,500 smaller trees, which were felled from Gorumara National Park- Lataguri fringes. A local organization, Society for Protecting Ophiofauna & Animal Rights (SPOAR) intimated us about and initiated talks with concerned agencies to stop this tree- felling activity. It was learned, the felling was carried out to make way for a mega infrastructure project that has the potential to completely destroy a healthy forest habitat, which is home to twelve Schedule-I species (Wildlife Protection Act,1972) predator and prey species. The impact would be disastrous for the elephants who have been using the area as a migratory route for centuries. With the advent of this project, they will now be forced to use an alternate pathway and put villages and locals in inevitable peril of conflict situation.

To help SPOAR further strengthen their lobbying efforts Wildlife Trust of India with the help of its donors have initiated a holistic effort i.e. technical and legal support for addressing this terrifying issue and also monitor the elephant corridors, identified in this landscape. In addition to this Wildlife Trust of India is organizing ‘Gaj Mahotsav’ partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The aim of the event is to bring in conservationist, researchers, key stakeholders from varied government and non-government bodies in one common platform and generate political and public support which in turn leads to positive conservation action to protect elephants. SPOAR along with 20 more organizations from all elephant ranging states have been invited to present and discuss their experiences about successful elephant conservation measures. The event will serve as an exposure visit to exchange views and learn new strategies for better conservation. Through these kinds of collaboration, we aim to keep a strict vigil and ensure the habitat Is intact for these gentle giants, thus providing safe Right of Passage.

Undulating hills in the pristine North-east of India are the Garo Hills in the state of Meghalaya. Spread through an area of 8167 sq.km is mightily rich in biodiversity, and the species worth boasting for, is the Asian elephant. This is the paradise hosting the largest number of Asian elephants in India and also home to India’s only ape species, the Hoolock Gibbon, Red panda and tigers.

The elephant population in Meghalaya is described as the most pressurized with the inflating human-elephant conflict with elephants raiding paddy fields of the akings ( land owned by local communities).Born free, in the wild where every day is a struggle for survival and their only crime is to be driven by hunger.

Not just elephants, but from time to time the wildlife has been under constant threat in this region. Humans may have become the greatest threat to wildlife, but they are also the protectors who take actions on the ground to contribute for our environment with forest department.

WTI with the kind support of GlobalGiving, provided training for the frontline forest staff of East & West Garo hills Wildlife Division on conflict management and elephant behavior. The trainees were taken on an exposure visit to WTI’s Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation in Panbari Reserve forest where they were briefed by the Veterinary officer on rescue and rehabilitation of small and big mammals, mainly focusing on elephant behavior and management techniques. The centre is one of the few places with success stories of elephant rehabilitation and release back into the wild.

The trainees had hands on experience with learning about elephant social behavior, physiology and stress indicators. They were also taken on a visit to Kaziranga National park where they got to observe elephants in the wild and learnt to study their behavior. The Divisional Forest Officer, N.R.D.Marak said” We are extremely grateful for WTI’s initiative. This training has motivated the staff and made them confident to handle elephant conflict more efficiently. The Division can now assure that the frontline staff will work better and also pass on their knowledge to the others”