Srilankan government is making trenches around waste landfills to keep out hungry elephants and also to reduce conflicts between animals and villagers.

Sri Lanka Elephant Crisis: Trenches being made to deter elephants

While on tour in central Thailand, British musician Paul Barton was mobbed by unruly audiences who tugged his hair, stole his music and climbed all over his piano.

Pianist plays concert for hundreds of Thai monkeys in historic site

Zimbabwe's wildlife agency said on Wednesday it had discovered more elephant carcasses near a major game park, bringing the number of dead animals suspected to have been killed by a bacterial infection to 22, double the initial figure.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) has already ruled out poaching and cyanide poisoning for the death of elephants in Pandamasuwe Forest in western Zimbabwe, between the largest wildlife sanctuary Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls.

Zimparks spokesman Tinashe Farawo said the latest elephant carcasses were found on Tuesday and Wednesday. Most of the animals were young, with the oldest being 18 years.

The elephants, which had their tusks intact, had died in similar circumstances to those first discovered last week.

"We suspect it is the same causes as the first group and we are also looking at taking samples to other independent laboratories so that we can broaden our investigations," said Farawo.

He said it would be a while before a final report on the causes of the deaths is ready.

Zimparks officials say the biggest threat to Zimbabwe's elephant herd is overpopulation and that lower rainfall this year could again leave the animals facing starvation after at least 200 died in 2019 from a lack of water and food.

Zimbabwe is home to some 80,000 elephants, around a fifth of Africa's total, conservationists estimate. Overall numbers have declined sharply in recent years, mostly due to a combination of poaching, illegal hunting and drought.

Earlier this year neighbouring Botswana was hit with hundreds of mysterious elephant deaths. A wildlife official in Botswana said in July preliminary tests pointed to a naturally occurring toxin as a probable cause.

Zimbabwe's wildlife agency said on Wednesday it had discovered more elephant carcasses near a major game park, bringing the number of dead animals suspected to have been killed by a bacterial infection to 22, double the initial figure.

Zimbabwe's wildlife agency said on Wednesday it had discovered more elephant carcasses near a major game park, bringing the number of dead animals suspected to have been killed by a bacterial infection to 22, double the initial figure. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) has already ruled out poaching and cyanide poisoning for the death of elephants in Pandamasuwe Forest in western Zimbabwe, between the largest wildlife sanctuary Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls. Zimparks spokesman Tinashe Farawo said the latest elephant carcasses were found on Tuesday and Wednesday. Most of the animals were young, with the oldest being 18 years. The elephants, which had their tusks intact, had died in similar circumstances to those first discovered last week. "We suspect it is the same causes as the first group and we are also looking at taking samples to other independent laboratories so that we can broaden our investigations," said Farawo. He said it would be a while before a final report on the causes of the deaths is ready. Zimparks officials say the biggest threat to Zimbabwe's elephant herd is overpopulation and that lower rainfall this year could again leave the animals facing starvation after at least 200 died in 2019 from a lack of water and food. Zimbabwe is home to some 80,000 elephants, around a fifth of Africa's total, conservationists estimate. Overall numbers have declined sharply in recent years, mostly due to a combination of poaching, illegal hunting and drought. Earlier this year neighbouring Botswana was hit with hundreds of mysterious elephant deaths. A wildlife official in Botswana said in July preliminary tests pointed to a naturally occurring toxin as a probable cause.

Zimbabwe finds more elephant carcasses, death toll at 22

Sri Lanka will ban the import of most plastic products in a bid to protect wild elephants and deer that die eating the waste, the environment minister announced Friday.

Plastic in Sri Lankan landfills is a major killer of elephants, with autopsies showing kilos of it in the stomachs of animals who died after rummaging at dumps.

Environment minister Mahinda Amaraweera told parliament legislation was being drafted to stop imports of plastic goods, including polythene, that end up in landfills. Officials said it would be introduced within months.

"Plastics are doing untold damage to our wildlife -- elephants, deer and other animals," Amaraweera told AFP shortly after his announcement.

"We need to take immediate action to arrest this situation."

Sri Lanka has already banned the manufacture or import of non-biodegradable plastic used for wrapping food and shopping bags since 2017.

Endangered wild elephants are protected in Sri Lanka by law although clashes with farmers are claiming a heavy toll on both sides.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given wildlife officials two years to implement a plan to reduce human-elephant conflict that has claimed the lives of 607 elephants and 184 people since last year.

Amaraweera said the proposed import ban -- that covers mainly toys and household utensils -- will be extended to local manufacturing, but did not give a timeline.

Sri Lanka will ban the import of most plastic products in a bid to protect wild elephants and deer that die eating the waste, the environment minister announced Friday.

Sri Lanka will ban the import of most plastic products in a bid to protect wild elephants and deer that die eating the waste, the environment minister announced Friday. Plastic in Sri Lankan landfills is a major killer of elephants, with autopsies showing kilos of it in the stomachs of animals who died after rummaging at dumps. Environment minister Mahinda Amaraweera told parliament legislation was being drafted to stop imports of plastic goods, including polythene, that end up in landfills. Officials said it would be introduced within months. "Plastics are doing untold damage to our wildlife -- elephants, deer and other animals," Amaraweera told AFP shortly after his announcement. "We need to take immediate action to arrest this situation." Sri Lanka has already banned the manufacture or import of non-biodegradable plastic used for wrapping food and shopping bags since 2017. Endangered wild elephants are protected in Sri Lanka by law although clashes with farmers are claiming a heavy toll on both sides. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given wildlife officials two years to implement a plan to reduce human-elephant conflict that has claimed the lives of 607 elephants and 184 people since last year. Amaraweera said the proposed import ban -- that covers mainly toys and household utensils -- will be extended to local manufacturing, but did not give a timeline.

Sri Lanka to ban imports of plastic goods to protect elephants

Sri Lanka's coronavirus lockdown has helped reduce the death toll from clashes between elephants and humans, conservationists have said.

A record 405 elephants were killed by humans in the country last year, up from about 360 in 2018. A total of 121 people were killed by elephants, up from 96 the year before, according to government data.

Speaking ahead of World Elephant Day on Wednesday, Jayantha Jayewardene, a leading international expert on elephants, said: "We can say that the human-elephant conflict eased during curfews.

"But this is a temporary situation. Farmers will start defending their crops and the killings will resume."

Most of the killed elephants are shot dead or poisoned by farmers trying to keep them off their land. The beasts are considered sacred in the majority-Buddhist island and are protected, but prosecutions are rare.

Most of the humans are killed by elephants who have seen their habitat drastically reduced, rampaging in villages looking for food.

Sumith Pilapitiya, a conservationist and former director-general of the government's wildlife department, estimated that the number of elephant deaths decreased by 40 percent during the coronavirus lockdown, which started in March and officially ended in June.

Pilapitiya said an average of 240 elephants were killed annually between 2010 and 2017 and the rate had accelerated since.

Pilapitiya told AFP: "The Asian elephant is classified as 'endangered', so we cannot afford to lose elephants at that rate."

He expressed hope that a "significant reduction" during the shutdown -- which included nationwide stay-at-home orders, with people only allowed out to buy essentials -- would bring down the overall toll for the year.

Sri Lanka's elephant population has declined to about 7,000 according to the latest census, down from 12,000 in the early 1900s.

Pilapitiya said a new panel of experts on measures to reduce human-elephant conflicts in the country would have its first meeting on World Elephant Day.

"This may be an auspicious beginning and hopefully the government will implement the recommendations of this committee," he said.

During the shutdown, Pilapitiya accompanied wildlife trackers who reported spotting baby elephant twins at the Minneriya sanctuary northeast of Colombo, the first pair seen in the wild in Sri Lanka and a rare sight anywhere.

But the shutdown of wildlife parks during the pandemic saw an increase in poaching and illegal hunting of all wild animals, prompting the government to order a crackdown in July.

Environmental lawyer Jagath Gunawardena said law enforcement authorities were preoccupied with the coronavirus, which made poaching easier.

"Incidents of elephant-human clashes were few, but there was an increase in killing animals for their flesh," he said.

While the lockdown officially ended on June 28, Sri Lanka's borders remain closed to foreign tourists. And that has badly hit some residents who rely on the country's elephants for their income.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage closed during the lockdown, fearing that the animals might contract the virus. It opened again last month, but its 84 elephants are mostly undisturbed by visitors.

"Hardly anyone visits here during the week," said Suneth Sanjeeva, who operates a shop outside the elephant orphanage, 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of Colombo.

A restaurant owner nearby said she served about 200 guests before the pandemic, but now she hardly has any customers.

Sri Lanka's coronavirus lockdown has helped reduce the death toll from clashes between elephants and humans, conservationists have said. A record 405 elephants were killed by humans in the country last year, up from about 360 in 2018.

Sri Lanka's coronavirus lockdown has helped reduce the death toll from clashes between elephants and humans, conservationists have said. A record 405 elephants were killed by humans in the country last year, up from about 360 in 2018. A total of 121 people were killed by elephants, up from 96 the year before, according to government data. Speaking ahead of World Elephant Day on Wednesday, Jayantha Jayewardene, a leading international expert on elephants, said: "We can say that the human-elephant conflict eased during curfews. "But this is a temporary situation. Farmers will start defending their crops and the killings will resume." Most of the killed elephants are shot dead or poisoned by farmers trying to keep them off their land. The beasts are considered sacred in the majority-Buddhist island and are protected, but prosecutions are rare. Most of the humans are killed by elephants who have seen their habitat drastically reduced, rampaging in villages looking for food. Sumith Pilapitiya, a conservationist and former director-general of the government's wildlife department, estimated that the number of elephant deaths decreased by 40 percent during the coronavirus lockdown, which started in March and officially ended in June. Pilapitiya said an average of 240 elephants were killed annually between 2010 and 2017 and the rate had accelerated since. Pilapitiya told AFP: "The Asian elephant is classified as 'endangered', so we cannot afford to lose elephants at that rate." He expressed hope that a "significant reduction" during the shutdown -- which included nationwide stay-at-home orders, with people only allowed out to buy essentials -- would bring down the overall toll for the year. Sri Lanka's elephant population has declined to about 7,000 according to the latest census, down from 12,000 in the early 1900s. Pilapitiya said a new panel of experts on measures to reduce human-elephant conflicts in the country would have its first meeting on World Elephant Day. "This may be an auspicious beginning and hopefully the government will implement the recommendations of this committee," he said. During the shutdown, Pilapitiya accompanied wildlife trackers who reported spotting baby elephant twins at the Minneriya sanctuary northeast of Colombo, the first pair seen in the wild in Sri Lanka and a rare sight anywhere. But the shutdown of wildlife parks during the pandemic saw an increase in poaching and illegal hunting of all wild animals, prompting the government to order a crackdown in July. Environmental lawyer Jagath Gunawardena said law enforcement authorities were preoccupied with the coronavirus, which made poaching easier. "Incidents of elephant-human clashes were few, but there was an increase in killing animals for their flesh," he said. While the lockdown officially ended on June 28, Sri Lanka's borders remain closed to foreign tourists. And that has badly hit some residents who rely on the country's elephants for their income. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage closed during the lockdown, fearing that the animals might contract the virus. It opened again last month, but its 84 elephants are mostly undisturbed by visitors. "Hardly anyone visits here during the week," said Suneth Sanjeeva, who operates a shop outside the elephant orphanage, 80 kilometres (50 miles) east of Colombo. A restaurant owner nearby said she served about 200 guests before the pandemic, but now she hardly has any customers.

Coronavirus gives Sri Lanka's threatened elephants a reprieve

More than 400 elephants have died in Botswana in the last two months. It is one of the biggest disasters to impact elephants in this century. The cause of death remains a mystery. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Mysterious elephant deaths in Botswana

Hundreds of elephants have died mysteriously in Botswana's famed Okavango Delta, the wildlife department said Thursday.

The officials ruled out poaching as the tusks were found intact.

The landlocked southern African country has the world's largest elephant population, estimated to be around 130,000.

Samples have been collected and sent to specialised laboratories in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Canada for testing.

Similar deaths were first reported in May when authorities found 12 carcasses in just a week in two villages in the northwest of the country.&nbsp;

The latest discoveries were flagged by a wildlife conservation charity,&nbsp;Elephants Without Borders (EWB), whose confidential report referring to the 356 dead elephants, was leaked to the media on Wednesday.

EWB suspects the elephants have been dying in the area for about three months.

According to the report dated June 19, 2020, "70 per cent of elephant carcasses were considered recent, having died about a month ago, and 30 per cent of the carcasses appeared fresh, ranging from one day to two weeks old".

There was good evidence to show elephants of all ages and sex appear to be dying, the report said.

Several live elephants appeared to have been weak, lethargic and emaciated, with some showing signs of disorientation, difficulty in walking or limping, EWB said.

Botswana has an overpopulation of elephants which President Mokgweetsi Masisi has flagged as the source for much of the human-animal conflict in the country.

Hundreds of elephants have died mysteriously in Botswana's famed Okavango Delta, the wildlife department said Thursday. The officials ruled out poaching as the tusks were found intact.

Hundreds of elephants have died mysteriously in Botswana's famed Okavango Delta, the wildlife department said Thursday. The officials ruled out poaching as the tusks were found intact. The landlocked southern African country has the world's largest elephant population, estimated to be around 130,000. Samples have been collected and sent to specialised laboratories in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Canada for testing. Similar deaths were first reported in May when authorities found 12 carcasses in just a week in two villages in the northwest of the country. The latest discoveries were flagged by a wildlife conservation charity, Elephants Without Borders (EWB), whose confidential report referring to the 356 dead elephants, was leaked to the media on Wednesday. EWB suspects the elephants have been dying in the area for about three months. According to the report dated June 19, 2020, "70 per cent of elephant carcasses were considered recent, having died about a month ago, and 30 per cent of the carcasses appeared fresh, ranging from one day to two weeks old". There was good evidence to show elephants of all ages and sex appear to be dying, the report said. Several live elephants appeared to have been weak, lethargic and emaciated, with some showing signs of disorientation, difficulty in walking or limping, EWB said. Botswana has an overpopulation of elephants which President Mokgweetsi Masisi has flagged as the source for much of the human-animal conflict in the country.

More than 350 elephants mysteriously die in Botswana

Botswana is investigating the mysterious deaths of at least 154 elephants over two months in the northwest of the country, a wildlife official said on Monday, although poaching or poisoning have been ruled out.

"We are still awaiting results on the exact cause of death,” Regional Wildlife Coordinator Dimakatso Ntshebe told Reuters.

The carcasses were found intact, suggesting they were not poached. Further investigations have also ruled out poisoning by humans and anthrax, which sometimes hits wildlife in this part of Botswana.&nbsp;

Africa's overall elephant population is declining due to poaching, but Botswana, home to almost a third of the continent’s elephants, has seen numbers grow to 130,000 from 80,000 in the late 1990s, owing to well managed reserves.

However, they are seen as a growing nuisance by farmers, whose crops have been destroyed by elephants roaming the southern African country.&nbsp;

President Mokgweetsi Masisi last year lifted a five-year ban on big game hunting, imposed by previous president Ian Khama, but the hunting season failed to take off in April as global travel restrictions meant hunters from many coronavirus-hit countries could not enter Botswana.

Meanwhile, the Wildlife Department has undertaken an operation to relocate and dehorn all rhinos to tackle poaching in Botswana - mirroring efforts elsewhere in the region.&nbsp;

The Okavango Delta rhino population has been the hardest hit, with 25 reported poached between December and the beginning of May, government figures show, as poachers take advantage of the absence of safari tourists during the pandemic.&nbsp;

That compares with a total of 31 rhinos poached from October 2018 to December last year.

"Both white rhino and black rhinos have been severely affected, necessitating the ... relocation of highly endangered black rhinos (and) intensification of surveillance," the Department said.

Botswana is investigating the mysterious deaths of at least 154 elephants over two months in the northwest of the country, a wildlife official said on Monday, although poaching or poisoning have been ruled out.

Botswana is investigating the mysterious deaths of at least 154 elephants over two months in the northwest of the country, a wildlife official said on Monday, although poaching or poisoning have been ruled out. "We are still awaiting results on the exact cause of death,” Regional Wildlife Coordinator Dimakatso Ntshebe told Reuters. The carcasses were found intact, suggesting they were not poached. Further investigations have also ruled out poisoning by humans and anthrax, which sometimes hits wildlife in this part of Botswana. Africa's overall elephant population is declining due to poaching, but Botswana, home to almost a third of the continent’s elephants, has seen numbers grow to 130,000 from 80,000 in the late 1990s, owing to well managed reserves. However, they are seen as a growing nuisance by farmers, whose crops have been destroyed by elephants roaming the southern African country. President Mokgweetsi Masisi last year lifted a five-year ban on big game hunting, imposed by previous president Ian Khama, but the hunting season failed to take off in April as global travel restrictions meant hunters from many coronavirus-hit countries could not enter Botswana. Meanwhile, the Wildlife Department has undertaken an operation to relocate and dehorn all rhinos to tackle poaching in Botswana - mirroring efforts elsewhere in the region. The Okavango Delta rhino population has been the hardest hit, with 25 reported poached between December and the beginning of May, government figures show, as poachers take advantage of the absence of safari tourists during the pandemic. That compares with a total of 31 rhinos poached from October 2018 to December last year. "Both white rhino and black rhinos have been severely affected, necessitating the ... relocation of highly endangered black rhinos (and) intensification of surveillance," the Department said.

Botswana investigates 154 elephant deaths, rules out poaching

An Austrian minister has become the honorary godmother of a baby elephant born at Vienna Zoo. A small ceremony to mark the occasion was held at the newly-reopened zoo.

Austrian minister becomes godmother to baby elephant

A sea lion performed its usual routine to empty crowds on Tuesday (April 21) in its pool at the Palmyre Zoo in western France, which has closed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Seals, monkeys perform to empty crowds at French zoo amid virus crisis

In Thailand's western province of Kanchanaburi, Taweechai Elephant Camp is struggling to feed its elephants since the country declared a state of emergency last month, forcing it to close the gates.

Hungry and out of jobs: Thailand's elephants suffer as coronavirus outbreak hits tourism

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo on the night of February 7 to watch an annual Buddhist pageant where hundreds of drummers, traditional dancers and torchbearers escort dozens of beautifully decorated elephants in a colourful parade.&nbsp;

It is the first major gathering of people in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The pageant which starts from the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple, one of the prominent religious places in the capital of this Indian Ocean Island and has been held annually for decades.

The elephants are bathed in the early afternoon and then dressed in colourful garments.

Hundreds of dancers, drummers and torchbearers accompanied by dozens of colourfully lit up elephants paraded the three and a half kilometre route.&nbsp;

The roads were packed with locals and foreigners. 
The elephants swayed to the beat of the drums as Buddhist priests, old men and women and children stayed transfixed for nearly three hours it took the parade to pass.

The highlight is a casket carried by a tusker which Buddhists believe contain a relics of Buddha.

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo on the night of February 7 to watch an annual Buddhist pageant where hundreds of drummers, traditional dancers and torchbearers escort dozens of beautifully decorated elephants in a colourful parade.

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Sri Lanka's capital Colombo on the night of February 7 to watch an annual Buddhist pageant where hundreds of drummers, traditional dancers and torchbearers escort dozens of beautifully decorated elephants in a colourful parade. It is the first major gathering of people in Sri Lanka since the outbreak of the coronavirus. The pageant which starts from the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple, one of the prominent religious places in the capital of this Indian Ocean Island and has been held annually for decades. The elephants are bathed in the early afternoon and then dressed in colourful garments. Hundreds of dancers, drummers and torchbearers accompanied by dozens of colourfully lit up elephants paraded the three and a half kilometre route. The roads were packed with locals and foreigners. The elephants swayed to the beat of the drums as Buddhist priests, old men and women and children stayed transfixed for nearly three hours it took the parade to pass. The highlight is a casket carried by a tusker which Buddhists believe contain a relics of Buddha.

Elephants paraded in annual Buddhist pageant in Sri Lanka

Elephants marched with volunteers and primary school students in Thailand's central Ayutthaya province on Monday (January 13) to raise public awareness of wildlife suffering from raging bushfires in Australia.

Elephants, students, volunteers march to raise awareness of Australia bushfires

Santa Claus swapped his reindeer for elephants Monday as he arrived at the Thai city of Ayutthaya to spread holiday cheer to school children. Four elephants of all ages and sizes wearing red and white costumes handed out presents and wrapped candies to excited students, many of whom were also wearing Christmas costumes.

Elephants spread Christmas cheer at Thai school

A day after thousands of Thais gathered around Bangkok's Grand Palace to celebrate the coronation of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, another group appeared to pay respect to the new king.

Elephants in show of respect to new Thai king

Five people, including a woman and two girls, were killed when a wild elephant strayed into human habitation in different villages of Odisha's Angul district, officials said Friday.

The tusker entered Sandha village from a forest late on Thursday night and trampled to death three members of a family, who were sleeping in the verandah of their house.

A man and his two-year-old daughter were among those killed in the first incident.

The family was staying in Sandha village since the man was working in a brick kiln in the locality.

A woman was also killed by the jumbo in the same village while she was asleep in the verandah of her house.

The tusker then proceeded to Santhapada village where it crushed to death a 70-year-old man, the official said.

Angry over the incidents, residents of the two villages staged a road blockade on Friday morning demanding adequate compensation to the family of the deceased.

The blockade was lifted after financial assistance was provided to the families of the deceased.

Steps were being taken for payment of ex-gratia as per rules, he said.

Efforts were on to drive away the wild elephant into the forest, a forest official said.&nbsp;

Five people, including a woman and two girls, were killed when a wild elephant strayed into human habitation in different villages of Odisha's Angul district, officials said Friday.

Five people, including a woman and two girls, were killed when a wild elephant strayed into human habitation in different villages of Odisha's Angul district, officials said Friday. The tusker entered Sandha village from a forest late on Thursday night and trampled to death three members of a family, who were sleeping in the verandah of their house. A man and his two-year-old daughter were among those killed in the first incident. The family was staying in Sandha village since the man was working in a brick kiln in the locality. A woman was also killed by the jumbo in the same village while she was asleep in the verandah of her house. The tusker then proceeded to Santhapada village where it crushed to death a 70-year-old man, the official said. Angry over the incidents, residents of the two villages staged a road blockade on Friday morning demanding adequate compensation to the family of the deceased. The blockade was lifted after financial assistance was provided to the families of the deceased. Steps were being taken for payment of ex-gratia as per rules, he said. Efforts were on to drive away the wild elephant into the forest, a forest official said.

Wild elephant tramples 5 people to death in Odisha

At least three wild elephants have been killed by a moving train in the Northeastern Sri Lanka, a railway official said on Sunday.

The incident happened when a herd of 13 elephants was crossing a rail track between the forest reserves of Thrikonamadu and Madura Oya in the Welioya area.

"The three elephants which were hit by the train were killed," the official said, adding that the train derailed as a result.

Elephants are considered a national treasure in the island nation with legal protection. The estimated elephant population in the country is under 8,000.

In a similar case last month, two baby elephants and their pregnant mother were killed after they were hit by a train transporting oil.

Following the incident, the engine drivers were instructed to move slow and sound the horn continuously to warn the elephants off the track. 
&nbsp;

At least three wild elephants have been killed by a moving train in the Northeastern Sri Lanka, a railway official said on Sunday. The incident happened when a herd of 13 elephants was crossing a rail track between the forest reserves of Thrikonamadu and Madura Oya in the Welioya area.

At least three wild elephants have been killed by a moving train in the Northeastern Sri Lanka, a railway official said on Sunday. The incident happened when a herd of 13 elephants was crossing a rail track between the forest reserves of Thrikonamadu and Madura Oya in the Welioya area. "The three elephants which were hit by the train were killed," the official said, adding that the train derailed as a result. Elephants are considered a national treasure in the island nation with legal protection. The estimated elephant population in the country is under 8,000. In a similar case last month, two baby elephants and their pregnant mother were killed after they were hit by a train transporting oil. Following the incident, the engine drivers were instructed to move slow and sound the horn continuously to warn the elephants off the track.

3 elephants killed after hit by moving train in Sri Lanka

&lsquo;Marauding elephants&rsquo;, &lsquo;wreaking havoc&rsquo;, &lsquo;trampling&rsquo;, &lsquo;destroying&rsquo;; these are some of the expletives used to refer to elephants in the Indian mainstream media. But what changed over the past decade which turned elephants, also worshipped as Lord Ganesha into this destructive force?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There are about 27000 wild elephants in India as per the recently concluded elephant population estimation. A significant proportion of this population frequently used human-use areas in the country. The reasons for the presence of elephants in human-use areas are many, from highly fragmented forests to availability of easy forage in human settlements like crops and orchards. However, the main reason is that elephants need to be continuously on the move.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

An adult elephant can consume up to 200 kg of wild fodder per day, this implies that if elephants are forced to be confined to a small forest fragment, they will soon eat off the entire forest. Hence, nature has made them highly mobile species which move from one forest patch to another in search of food so that the forests also get time to regenerate. In the process, the forest tree seeds also get a free lift to be sowed in other regions after moving through the gut of the animals.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This behavior of elephants does not create a problem when the animals reside in contiguous forest patches such as the Western Ghats, but when forests are fragmented; the elephants often pass through human-use areas thereby giving rise to the &lsquo;conflict&rsquo; paradigm.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

We, as humans are habituated to associate elephants and other &lsquo;wild&rsquo; animals with the wilderness. However, these animals are oblivious to our boundaries and this disparity between where we think wild animals should be and where they are actually found has lead to considerable conflicts commonly known as &lsquo;man-animal conflict&rsquo; in popular literature.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Elephants are large-bodied animals, and when they are present in human-use areas, damages to both human and elephants occur. Especially, when we are not expecting to find and manage elephants in our backyards, paddy fields and orchards. The most extreme manifestations of elephants in human spaces are human and elephant deaths. Such incidents cause widespread fear and concern among the general public, conservation practitioners, media, forest departments and all stakeholders.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

About 400 people die in India due to elephant attacks each year, the number of injuries are often much higher. Even though the number of deaths is minuscule when compared to other sources of accidental human mortality in India, such incidents due to attacks of elephants evoke strong emotions and need to be urgently minimised to ensure support for elephant conservation in India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Remarkably, most of the human fatalities in India due to elephants do not occur where elephants numbers are high. For example, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh together have less than 3000 elephants but account for the majority of the human fatalities in India. Not surprisingly, these three states have highly fragmented forests and high density of human population. These states also have a high population of tribal within the elephant ranges who are prone to chronic alcoholism and brewing of country liquors (World Health Organization, Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, 2014). However, there is little published evidence to link alcoholism with elephant caused mortality but my ongoing studies in northern Bengal points to the fact that alcohol can play an important role in exacerbating conflict leading to human deaths.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In Jharkhand, forest officials have been quick to note this relation and the brewing of country liquor has been banned in several elephant range areas. This is to prevent human casualties as the elephants are lured by this liquor and moreover, inebriated people often chase elephants out of bravado and die in the process. Crowds of people often throng to see elephants in many places which often cause untoward incidents as well. Also, a large proportion of human fatalities occur when people are trying to protect their crops and while chasing away elephants, especially in West Bengal and Odisha. Such incidents create significant management problems.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The management of elephants and the &lsquo;conflict&rsquo; is entrusted to the Forest Departments and this has also compromised timely and effective management of the problem. Forest Department officials are experts in managing forests and wildlife in forest areas, but their training in managing animals in human-use areas is limited.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Moreover, it is often more effective to manage people rather than the animals in such situations. Steps such as crowd control, crop protection and human safety also come under the preview of the Police Department, Agriculture Department, as well as the Health Department, but the blame is mostly shouldered by respective Forest Departments when any negative incidents occur. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

The focus needs to shift from reactive measures, such as compensation and elephant removals to proactive measures, including crop protection, elephant movement monitoring and information broadcasting as well as well-trained staff at the ground level who will be at the frontline to ensure safe passage to elephants between forests and minimal public interference in such activities. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Local inhabitants who face losses such as crop damage and economic losses should be compensated effectively and adequately.&nbsp; Ensuring necessary precautions to prevent elephant damage are already in place. Media has to play a key role in changing the discourse from blaming certain agencies and animals to focus on the unique opportunities that India presents to the world in protecting endangered species even in human-use landscapes. Minimising damages to local people needs to be the immediate priority for ensuring peaceful cohabitation between people and elephants in the diverse elephant landscapes in the country.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

About 400 people die in India due to elephant attacks each year, the number of injuries are often much higher.

‘Marauding elephants’, ‘wreaking havoc’, ‘trampling’, ‘destroying’; these are some of the expletives used to refer to elephants in the Indian mainstream media. But what changed over the past decade which turned elephants, also worshipped as Lord Ganesha into this destructive force? There are about 27000 wild elephants in India as per the recently concluded elephant population estimation. A significant proportion of this population frequently used human-use areas in the country. The reasons for the presence of elephants in human-use areas are many, from highly fragmented forests to availability of easy forage in human settlements like crops and orchards. However, the main reason is that elephants need to be continuously on the move. An adult elephant can consume up to 200 kg of wild fodder per day, this implies that if elephants are forced to be confined to a small forest fragment, they will soon eat off the entire forest. Hence, nature has made them highly mobile species which move from one forest patch to another in search of food so that the forests also get time to regenerate. In the process, the forest tree seeds also get a free lift to be sowed in other regions after moving through the gut of the animals. This behavior of elephants does not create a problem when the animals reside in contiguous forest patches such as the Western Ghats, but when forests are fragmented; the elephants often pass through human-use areas thereby giving rise to the ‘conflict’ paradigm. We, as humans are habituated to associate elephants and other ‘wild’ animals with the wilderness. However, these animals are oblivious to our boundaries and this disparity between where we think wild animals should be and where they are actually found has lead to considerable conflicts commonly known as ‘man-animal conflict’ in popular literature. Elephants are large-bodied animals, and when they are present in human-use areas, damages to both human and elephants occur. Especially, when we are not expecting to find and manage elephants in our backyards, paddy fields and orchards. The most extreme manifestations of elephants in human spaces are human and elephant deaths. Such incidents cause widespread fear and concern among the general public, conservation practitioners, media, forest departments and all stakeholders. About 400 people die in India due to elephant attacks each year, the number of injuries are often much higher. Even though the number of deaths is minuscule when compared to other sources of accidental human mortality in India, such incidents due to attacks of elephants evoke strong emotions and need to be urgently minimised to ensure support for elephant conservation in India. Remarkably, most of the human fatalities in India due to elephants do not occur where elephants numbers are high. For example, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh together have less than 3000 elephants but account for the majority of the human fatalities in India. Not surprisingly, these three states have highly fragmented forests and high density of human population. These states also have a high population of tribal within the elephant ranges who are prone to chronic alcoholism and brewing of country liquors (World Health Organization, Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, 2014). However, there is little published evidence to link alcoholism with elephant caused mortality but my ongoing studies in northern Bengal points to the fact that alcohol can play an important role in exacerbating conflict leading to human deaths. In Jharkhand, forest officials have been quick to note this relation and the brewing of country liquor has been banned in several elephant range areas. This is to prevent human casualties as the elephants are lured by this liquor and moreover, inebriated people often chase elephants out of bravado and die in the process. Crowds of people often throng to see elephants in many places which often cause untoward incidents as well. Also, a large proportion of human fatalities occur when people are trying to protect their crops and while chasing away elephants, especially in West Bengal and Odisha. Such incidents create significant management problems. The management of elephants and the ‘conflict’ is entrusted to the Forest Departments and this has also compromised timely and effective management of the problem. Forest Department officials are experts in managing forests and wildlife in forest areas, but their training in managing animals in human-use areas is limited. Moreover, it is often more effective to manage people rather than the animals in such situations. Steps such as crowd control, crop protection and human safety also come under the preview of the Police Department, Agriculture Department, as well as the Health Department, but the blame is mostly shouldered by respective Forest Departments when any negative incidents occur. The focus needs to shift from reactive measures, such as compensation and elephant removals to proactive measures, including crop protection, elephant movement monitoring and information broadcasting as well as well-trained staff at the ground level who will be at the frontline to ensure safe passage to elephants between forests and minimal public interference in such activities. Local inhabitants who face losses such as crop damage and economic losses should be compensated effectively and adequately. Ensuring necessary precautions to prevent elephant damage are already in place. Media has to play a key role in changing the discourse from blaming certain agencies and animals to focus on the unique opportunities that India presents to the world in protecting endangered species even in human-use landscapes. Minimising damages to local people needs to be the immediate priority for ensuring peaceful cohabitation between people and elephants in the diverse elephant landscapes in the country. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: When the God is portrayed as an enemy

Recently, in Assam, 40 elephants died&nbsp;in 100 days&nbsp;because of man-animal conflicts. There are several other reports which talk about how animals are dying on a regular basis due to unnatural causes. Many conservationists claim that moving train, electrocution, poisoning, falling in the ditches etc, are the causes responsible for such tragic deaths and surprisingly all of the mentioned reasons are man-made.

While stories about man-animal conflict and how it impacts people and their resources are pretty common, very few discussion, on the other hand, takes place on the&nbsp;sufferings endured by the animals due to continuous human intervention and forest encroachment.

This infringement of wildlife leads to the reduction of the habitat, increased human-wildlife conflicts, migration of some animals, killing or dying of animals, extinction of flora and fauna, wildlife predation, the collapse of wildlife populations and reduction of geographic ranges.

Development in India is moving at a very fast pace but it is completely neglecting the ecosystem. The growing infrastructure is providing room for humans only, there is not any space for other species, be it birds or animals. Shrinking habitat and lack of accessible sources of food from expanding urban and suburban land use have brought animals and humans into conflict.

Habitat encroachment, fragmentation, and destruction have produced a plethora of problems. Habitat destruction is a leading cause of species endangerment. This is the reason why wildlife is invading villages and cities.

The state of Assam has five elephant reserves, covering an estimated area of 10,967 sq km. Only a small portion of these reserves are in protected areas, in the form of national parks or wildlife sanctuaries, while the rest are reserved forest areas.

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40 elephants die in Assam in 100 days as man-animal conflicts increase (PTI)
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Not only are the herbivores are affected but&nbsp;forest encroachment has left&nbsp;a huge impact on carnivores, such as tigers. The decline in numbers of natural prey is one of the major reasons why carnivores shift their diets to livestock. They need food but we humans are taking it away from them, So, obviously, they will trespass through human habitation to fulfill their needs. The herds of animals have been invading human localities majorly for food. They are not getting enough food because humans have muddled with the ecology by excessive deforestation.

In Pokharan, Rajasthan, the Griffon vultures are dying. These birds migrate from across the border. Usually, these birds come here during the winter. Villagers were passing through the area when they noticed carcasses of the birds on the railway tracks. It is obvious to speculate that a train must have mowed down them.

The ecological imbalance is also responsible for the increase in infectious diseases in both humans and wildlife due to increasing anthropogenic disturbance of natural ecosystems.

There is an urgent need to build more protected areas to conserve the wildlife and also to keep both animals and humans at their separate domain which will avoid the conflicts. If humans are considered to be more sensible then it is expected of them to not interfere with&nbsp;animal&#39;s ecosystem.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There is an urgent need to build more protected areas to conserve the wildlife and also to keep both, animals and humans at bay which will avoid the human-animal conflicts.

Recently, in Assam, 40 elephants died in 100 days because of man-animal conflicts. There are several other reports which talk about how animals are dying on a regular basis due to unnatural causes. Many conservationists claim that moving train, electrocution, poisoning, falling in the ditches etc, are the causes responsible for such tragic deaths and surprisingly all of the mentioned reasons are man-made. While stories about man-animal conflict and how it impacts people and their resources are pretty common, very few discussion, on the other hand, takes place on the sufferings endured by the animals due to continuous human intervention and forest encroachment. This infringement of wildlife leads to the reduction of the habitat, increased human-wildlife conflicts, migration of some animals, killing or dying of animals, extinction of flora and fauna, wildlife predation, the collapse of wildlife populations and reduction of geographic ranges. Development in India is moving at a very fast pace but it is completely neglecting the ecosystem. The growing infrastructure is providing room for humans only, there is not any space for other species, be it birds or animals. Shrinking habitat and lack of accessible sources of food from expanding urban and suburban land use have brought animals and humans into conflict. Habitat encroachment, fragmentation, and destruction have produced a plethora of problems. Habitat destruction is a leading cause of species endangerment. This is the reason why wildlife is invading villages and cities. The state of Assam has five elephant reserves, covering an estimated area of 10,967 sq km. Only a small portion of these reserves are in protected areas, in the form of national parks or wildlife sanctuaries, while the rest are reserved forest areas. 40 elephants die in Assam in 100 days as man-animal conflicts increase (PTI) × Not only are the herbivores are affected but forest encroachment has left a huge impact on carnivores, such as tigers. The decline in numbers of natural prey is one of the major reasons why carnivores shift their diets to livestock. They need food but we humans are taking it away from them, So, obviously, they will trespass through human habitation to fulfill their needs. The herds of animals have been invading human localities majorly for food. They are not getting enough food because humans have muddled with the ecology by excessive deforestation. In Pokharan, Rajasthan, the Griffon vultures are dying. These birds migrate from across the border. Usually, these birds come here during the winter. Villagers were passing through the area when they noticed carcasses of the birds on the railway tracks. It is obvious to speculate that a train must have mowed down them. The ecological imbalance is also responsible for the increase in infectious diseases in both humans and wildlife due to increasing anthropogenic disturbance of natural ecosystems. There is an urgent need to build more protected areas to conserve the wildlife and also to keep both animals and humans at their separate domain which will avoid the conflicts. If humans are considered to be more sensible then it is expected of them to not interfere with animal's ecosystem. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: 40 elephants die in Assam. Who is responsible?

Within two weeks of Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonwal laying the foundation of a Patanjali herbal and mega food park in the Sonitpur district of India&#39;s northeastern state, one elephant has died in the animal corridor while two others are injured.

The Rs 1000-crore project by Baba Ramdev, located in the Ghoaramari area of Assam, is supposed to generate employment opportunities in the region, the yoga guru had claimed.

The three elephants fell into a deep pit at the construction site&nbsp;on November 23, killing one, leaving behind its three-month-old calf grieving near her body.

According to environment activists, using this corridor, which is surrounded by the Kaziranga National Park,&nbsp;for industrial purposes is likely to be detrimental for the wild animals.

The Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti (SMSS), a sister organisation of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samity (KMSS), has recently been leading massive protests across the state against the allotment of land to Patanjali and construction of the multi-crore project.

Herds of elephants are known to frequent the site regularly, especially during the&nbsp;winter, when they move from Arunachal side to the Brahmaputra river.

Patanjali was reportedly asked to put an electric fencing along their construction site so as to keep the animals away, forest department officials said.

Assam forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma&nbsp;of the Bodoland People&rsquo;s Front &ndash; an ally of the ruling BJP government in Assam - has promised of stringent actions against people responsible for this negligence.

Authorities will file a report against Patanjali, she said.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonwal, while speaking to mediapersons,&nbsp;said that his government was in complete agreement with every initiative of the Assam forest minister.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in August this year had ordered the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NFL), a public sector company to demolish a 2.2 kilometre wall that blocked an elephant corridor near the Kaziranga National Park.

Also, the militant outfit ULFA (Independent) has opposed the state government move of granting 150 acres of land to Patanjali Ayurveda while the victims of flood and erosion are yet to be rehabilitated.

(WION)

The project site, surrounded by Kaziranga National Park, in India's northeastern state, is an animal corridor

Within two weeks of Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonwal laying the foundation of a Patanjali herbal and mega food park in the Sonitpur district of India's northeastern state, one elephant has died in the animal corridor while two others are injured. The Rs 1000-crore project by Baba Ramdev, located in the Ghoaramari area of Assam, is supposed to generate employment opportunities in the region, the yoga guru had claimed. The three elephants fell into a deep pit at the construction site on November 23, killing one, leaving behind its three-month-old calf grieving near her body. According to environment activists, using this corridor, which is surrounded by the Kaziranga National Park, for industrial purposes is likely to be detrimental for the wild animals. The Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti (SMSS), a sister organisation of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samity (KMSS), has recently been leading massive protests across the state against the allotment of land to Patanjali and construction of the multi-crore project. Herds of elephants are known to frequent the site regularly, especially during the winter, when they move from Arunachal side to the Brahmaputra river. Patanjali was reportedly asked to put an electric fencing along their construction site so as to keep the animals away, forest department officials said. Assam forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma of the Bodoland People’s Front – an ally of the ruling BJP government in Assam - has promised of stringent actions against people responsible for this negligence. Authorities will file a report against Patanjali, she said. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonwal, while speaking to mediapersons, said that his government was in complete agreement with every initiative of the Assam forest minister. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in August this year had ordered the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NFL), a public sector company to demolish a 2.2 kilometre wall that blocked an elephant corridor near the Kaziranga National Park. Also, the militant outfit ULFA (Independent) has opposed the state government move of granting 150 acres of land to Patanjali Ayurveda while the victims of flood and erosion are yet to be rehabilitated. (WION)

Assam food park: 1 elephant dead, 2 injured within two weeks of Patanjali project launch

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