Keralam Forest dept begins operation to tranquillise, capture elephant ‘KM-1’ at Aralam
The Kerala Forest Department has launched an operation to tranquillize and capture a wild elephant named KM-1 in the Aralam area. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders in the region to ensure public safety while a team of 100 personnel works to relocate the animal.
Why it matters
Human-wildlife conflict is a significant issue in rural India, requiring careful management to balance animal conservation with public safety.
The Keralam Forest department has begun the operation to tranquillise and capture KM-1, the male elephant that entered the Aralam Rehabilitation Area, on Wednesday, with the animal being driven towards a designated 18-acre area. A prohibitory order has also been imposed in parts of Aralam, barring public gatherings during the operation.
Division Forest Officer K. Saji said a team comprising 100 forest personnel had been deployed for the operation. The team includes a darting unit, two veterinarians, a conservation biologist and a supporting team, which has been fully deployed at the operation site and is prepared to undertake darting, if required, depending on the situation.
As part of the operation, the driving team spotted KM-1 in the Block 10 Jalnidhi area of Aralam farm in the morning. Efforts are currently underway to drive it towards the designated 18-acre area.
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