Keralam Forest Minister outlines multi-layered strategy to tackle human-elephant conflict

Keralam Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John on Monday said efforts to capture KM-1, the makhna that has repeatedly entered human habitation and agricultural areas around the Aralam region, were progressing.

He said the government had decided on June 25 to tranquilise the elephant, but the operation involved several logistical requirements beyond merely using a tranquiliser dart. The kraal required for holding the elephant after capture was nearing completion, he said.

The Minister said he had personally inspected the facility at Muthanga the previous week. The operation had also been affected by the unavailability of suitable kumki elephants, with three of the elephants available to the department being in musth at the relevant time. The government was now considering obtaining a kumki elephant from Tamil Nadu, he said.

Mr. John said Keralam had now been divided into 14 landscapes based on the intensity of human-wildlife conflict.

He said a three-layer defence system would be introduced in landscapes where the intensity was high, while areas with lower levels of conflict would receive measures proportionate to the threat.

He said the government wanted to move away from ineffective or poorly designed fencing, including solar fences that could be breached easily, towards scientifically planned barriers.

Mr. John said the government was also working on a long-term strategy to reduce human-elephant conflict by changing agricultural practices in vulnerable areas. A comprehensive three-year plan was being prepared, with different levels of intervention proposed according to the severity of the problem.

He said the government was also examining the possibility of replacing crops that attract elephants with remunerative crops that could act as animal repellents.

“The Forest department is considering several remunerative alternatives. High-curcumin varieties of turmeric, lemongrass, lemon and ginger were among the crops being considered,” he said. “Lemongrass is often not put to proper use. We can create a large market for it,” he said.

The government would also explore markets for such crops so that farmers would have economically viable alternatives.