Forest Dept launches Multi-Pronged strategy to Prevent Human-Elephant Conflict

The Forest Department of the Tripura government has undertaken a series of steps, including the creation of Congo Napier plantations in elephant habitats and radio collaring, to prevent human-elephant conflict.

A report from the Tripura Forest Department said that, as of now, the population of wild elephants in the state is approximately 40.

Wild elephants in Tripura exist in parts of Khowai, Dhalai, and Gomati districts of the state.

The report said that, to prevent human and wild elephant conflict, the Forest Department has started awareness generation among the forest dwellers and the people living in the fringe areas of the forest.

“The Forest Department has also started distribution of anti-depredation kits among the villagers, and distribution of seasonal dress and uniform to the wildlife village volunteers,” said the report.

The department has also been conducting training for the ADS squad, villagers, and forest field officials on human-elephant mitigation strategies.

“Construction of salt licks and water holes in wildlife habitat areas, along with installation of covert IR camera traps at different spots for surveillance, and installation of aniders at selected locations of elephant depredation areas,” it said.

The department has also established anti-depredation camps at selected locations and engaged local people as volunteers.

“Building tree houses (machans) to track the movement of wild elephants, along with the creation of Congo Napier plantations in elephant habitats. Radio collaring of wild elephants is being done for tracking their movements, studying their habitat use, and addressing other management issues including protection and assessment of elephant corridors,” the report said.