After the hue and cry over the disappearance of tigers from Sariska sanctuary in Rajasthan, the focus is now on the threat faced by elephants which are said to be high on the target list of poachers, according to an environmentalist.
Ivory of bull tuskers is much sought after in international market. Their bones are also used for creating pieces of art.
In South India, rampant poaching by forest brigand Veerappan and his gang had greatly reduced the population of bull tuskers. Elephants were killed by the brigand and his men with poisoned arrows. For every 100 elephants, there are only three bull tuskers now.
But in the foothills of the Himalayas, for every 100 elephants, there are about 30 bull tuskers, says Himalayan Chipko Foundation President J P Dabral. Due to the large number of bulls, poachers have now become more active in the northern region.
In the most prestigious Jim Corbett National Park, more than seven bull tuskers have been killed. Their trunks were cut and tusks removed after brutally cutting their face, says Dabral.
About 20 female and young elephants have been killed after being hit by trains over the past five years in Rajaji National Park. The situation calls for the railway track being fenced, besides parts of it being put on elevated tracks. This would provide free passage to elephants without rendering them vulnerable to accidents. The matriarch of the herd which normally guides the flock can lead them through the safe passages under the elevated railway tracks. Elephant is known as a wise animal.
Sitting ducks
Tree felling by forest mafia in northern India has also added to the vulnerability of elephants. In Barkot range, near the holy city of Rishikesh, which is abode for a large number of elephants, about seven to 10 tractor trolleys of timber are openly smuggled out everyday, says Dabral.
Since trucker trolleys do not carry any registration number, the forest mafia has been using them for their operations in connivance with forest officials. With lesser foliage cover, elephants in search of food now venture into agricultural fields on the boundary of their habitat, making them sitting ducks.
After the formation of Uttaranchal, there has been a spurt in development activities in the State. Roads are being widened and bridges are being erected. There is a proposal to build a new road from Dehra Dun to Tanakpur slicing through Rajaji National Park, Chilla Wildlife Reserve and Jim Corbett National Park, posing a danger to the wildlife and ecology of the area, Dabral warns.
If such development projects are undertaken, there must be adequate planning to make them wildlife and eco-friendly. Human population growth on the periphery of the parks in the country needs to be checked.
Dabral demanded a special task force for elephants on the lines of tigers to protect and preserve the huge animal from extinction. India has been the first country in the world to domesticate elephants.
