Database on elephant conservation

A senior wildlife expert has compiled the extent of crop damages, property damages and human casualties due to man- elephant conflict from 1990 till now.

The study is titled 'Database on Elephant Conservation Human- Elephant conflict and Elephant mortality causes' .
The author, B M Arora if former Principal scientist and wildlife in charge of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. He is now the president of the Association of Indian Zoo  and Wildlife Veterinarians.

The study has been supported by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate change.

350 deaths a year, thousands of hectares damaged in human - animal conflict every year
Times of India 

amendment - a threat to wildlife

 The original Act did not allow sale or transfer of ownership of property demed illegal.
Now, with the amendment, owners can transfer or sell.
And if the District Forest Committee refuses to accept the trnsfer or sale, the owner can appeal.
The amendment will prove a threat to wildlife.

"The amendment will usher in corruption and alienate local communities who depend on the forests. It will compromise their traditional rights," says K Mohan Raj, a conservationist.

- Loopholes in act may legalize forest structures,  Times of (India      July 12, 2018.

April 14, 2018 - wild elephant habitat

82 year old man trampled to death in Poluvampatti forest on the outskirts of Coimbatore, today.

Ramasamy of Nalloor village was near the banks of Noyyal river when he was attacked.

Passers-by saw him lying injured and took him to a hospital, where he was declared, brought dead.

Business Standard
PTI April 14, 2018. 

Sadivayal camp

Forest Department has replaced 2 Kumki elephants from Sadivayal camp.

The tamed elephants are deployed to shoo away wild elephants and to prevent man- animal conflicts.

Deccan Chronicle   Sunday April 1, 2018.

increased relief for man-animal conflicts

Wildlife division of the Union Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has increased ex-gratia relief under Federally sponsored schemes to victims for loss of life or property and crop damage by wild animals.

Down To Earth 
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 

tusker dies of anthrax

The carcass was of a 10 year old tusker - died of anthrax - spotted at Kadambur forest division near Sathyamangalam.
Organ samples have been taken and sent for diagnosis.
Carcass was buried in the forest.
Anthrax virus can be active for more than 30 years - the last case was in May 27, 2016.

Times Region Thursday March 1, 2018.  p.9

Villagers spot starved calf

Forest officials were taking steps to reunite a 3 year old cals with it's mother.

Earlier, it was found to be sick in Eakathur forest, and did not take food or water for some days.

Villagers found the starved calf and alerted forest officials.

T O I 
Saturday Feb. 17, 2018 - p.10