Tragic Death of Local in TN's Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Due to Wild Elephant
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Synopsis
A tragic incident in Tamil Nadu's Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve resulted in the death of a 65-year-old man, Madevappa, after he was trampled by a wild elephant while gathering firewood. The Forest Department is set to implement drone technology for improved surveillance and to mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
Key Takeaways
- Madevappa, a 65-year-old local, was killed by a wild elephant.
- Forest Department officials are introducing thermal drones for better monitoring.
- Immediate financial aid of Rs 50,000 has been provided to the victim's family.
- Over 256 people have died from human-elephant conflicts in the last five years.
- The wild elephant population in Tamil Nadu is now at 3,063.
Chennai, Jan 15 (NationPress) A resident of Kadatti tribal village in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) located in Tamil Nadu's Erode district was tragically trampled to death by a wild elephant, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
According to the Forest Department, Madevappa, aged 65, along with three friends ventured into the forest on Tuesday to gather firewood. While they were around 500 metres into the forest at the Boothalapuram beat, they unexpectedly encountered a herd of elephants.
While his companions managed to flee, Madevappa was caught and trampled by one of the elephants.
Upon returning to the area later, the others discovered Madevappa’s lifeless body. They promptly notified the Kadambur police and the Forest Department.
The body was subsequently transported to the Government Hospital in Sathyamangalam for a post-mortem examination, and a case has been formally registered.
The Forest Department has provided immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the deceased’s wife.
Moreover, the Department is set to implement thermal drones for nighttime surveillance, aimed at monitoring wild elephants and preventing their encroachment into human settlements. Officials are optimistic that these drones will allow forest personnel to track elephant movements from a safe distance, enabling timely alerts to residents. Elephants frequently leave the forest at night, leading to conflicts in human habitation areas.
With the introduction of this new system, drones will track elephant movements, and announcements will be made from vehicles equipped with Bluetooth-connected speakers. These vehicles will also generate loud noises to guide the animals back into the forest.
A senior official disclosed that several companies have showcased drone operations, and a vendor will be selected soon.
Currently, this system is being trialed in the Hosur Forest Division, where it has yielded promising results.
Additionally, the department is planning to acquire AI-enabled cameras to further monitor elephant movements and mitigate human-animal conflicts.
Recent statistics shared in the Lok Sabha emphasize the necessity of such initiatives. In the last five years, 256 people have lost their lives due to human-elephant conflicts in Tamil Nadu, including 61 deaths in the ongoing year 2023-24.
For example, on December 17, 2024, a 62-year-old man named Chandran succumbed to injuries inflicted during an elephant attack at Gajam Mudi Estate in Valparai. This attack, which took place on November 10, 2024, also injured four others, including Chandran.
The wild elephant population in Tamil Nadu has reached 3,063, as per the latest synchronized census conducted between May 23 and 25, 2024, in collaboration with neighboring states Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. This number represents an increase of over 100 elephants compared to the 2023 census. Officials indicated that Tamil Nadu’s forests can support an elephant population of approximately 3,000 to 3,500, and the current population is stable and healthy. The Nilgiri Elephant Reserve and Coimbatore Elephant Reserve have the highest density of elephants among the five reserves in the state.
The Forest Department holds a positive outlook that the introduction of thermal drones, AI-enabled cameras, and other strategies will help reduce human-elephant conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and elephants.
