Residents and farmers in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka are facing distress as two wild elephants have strayed from their natural habitat, causing significant damage to agricultural lands. The elephants, which originated from the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary, have been moving through human settlements for weeks, with forest department efforts to guide them back proving unsuccessful so far.
A Journey Through Human Habitats
The two jumbos began their unusual journey three weeks ago, departing from the sanctuary on the outskirts of Shivamogga. Their path took them towards the Arasalu range near Ripponpet. In a bold move, they crossed the busy Shivamogga–Sagar Highway between Gilalagundi and Konehosur, eventually settling in the Kollibacchalu area. After a brief period, they re-entered the same zone and moved swiftly towards the Ambligola range.
Their trek continued as they crossed the backwaters of the Hosuru Dam at a location known as Peerana Kanive. From there, the elephants entered the Bellanduru state forest and made their way to Baruru. Currently, they have found a temporary safe haven around Uluvi village. Forest officials note that the timing coincides with the harvest season, meaning paddy and sugarcane are abundantly available, providing an easy and tempting food source for the massive animals.
Root Causes: Fragmented Forests and Illegal Threats
The incident is not an isolated event but a symptom of larger environmental issues. The crucial wildlife corridor that once connected the Kaali Tiger Reserve in Dandeli has become severely fragmented. Compounding the problem, forest cover has been thinning out over time in key regions including Soraba, Chandragutti, and Banavasi. This loss of habitat and connective pathways forces elephants to venture beyond their traditional ranges in search of food and space.
An additional and deadly threat to wildlife in the area is the rampant presence of illegal electric fencing in the Soraba region. These unauthorized installations pose a severe risk of electrocution to elephants and other animals, further escalating the human-wildlife conflict.
Impact on Farmers and Official Response
The elephants' foray into farmland has led to direct financial losses for local agriculturists. A marginal farmer named Puttappa from Patresalu village reported crop damage, leaving him deeply upset. Another farmer, Sandesh, complained that his pineapple plantation was ravaged by the wandering jumbos.
In response to the growing crisis, personnel from the forest department's Sagar subdivision initiated an operation to drive the elephants back to their sanctuary on Thursday evening. DCF (Sagar division) Mohan Kumar, speaking to TOI, expressed confidence that the department would succeed in driving the elephants back within two days. The task remains challenging as the animals have settled in an area rich with crops, reducing their incentive to return.
This ongoing situation highlights the pressing need to address habitat fragmentation and illegal activities to prevent future conflicts and protect both Karnataka's precious wildlife and the livelihoods of its farmers.
