TN foresters battle to drive back Karnataka herds

With the beginning of the migration season, a herd of more than 20 elephants have moved to Tamil Nadu through the Jawalagiri reserve forest from Bannerghatta, in Karnataka, two weeks ago. They are heading towards Sri Venkateswara Wild Life Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh by travelling through large jungle tracks. 

However, the elephant herds have been frequently straying into the villages, abutting forest reserves, triggering panic among villagers in Krishnagiri district. “They cause huge damage to crops and property. Humans also fear attack from them,” said a forest department staff.  

In order to prevent man-animal conflicts, the forest department personnel are tracking the elephant herds to drive them back into the jungles.   

“We are trying not to use crackers to scare the animals from straying into human settlements as it is detrimental to pregnant jumbos, if there are any in the herd. A few days ago, a herd tried to move towards Shoolagiri by crossing the Chennai-Bengaluru national highway. But, we interrupted them and drove them back into the jungles. Their movement is tracked and we intervene only when need arises,” said a forest department staff.