Third Elephant Found Dead in Chhattisgarh Within Days, Sparking Wildlife Protection Concerns
In a distressing development for wildlife conservation in Chhattisgarh, a male elephant was discovered dead in a wheat field in Surajpur district on Friday. This incident follows closely on the heels of two elephant carcasses found floating in a river in Raigarh district just a day earlier, raising serious alarms about the safety of these majestic creatures in the region.
Details of the Latest Tusker Death in Surajpur
Forest officials reported that the elephant had been roaming the area near Karanjwar village in the Pratappur forest range for approximately three to four days, likely having strayed from its herd. Villagers alerted the forest department after spotting the lifeless animal in the field early Friday morning.
The age of the elephant was estimated to be around 15 years. Initial observations revealed black marks on its trunk, leading to suspicions that the death may have resulted from electrocution. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the cause, noting no obvious signs of live current or illegal electrification at the site.
Surajpur District Forest Officer DP Sahu, along with Sub-Divisional Officer Forest Sanskriti Barle and other officials, promptly visited the location. Barle emphasized that the exact cause of death will only be determined after the post-mortem examination, which was being conducted by a team of veterinarians.
Context of Previous Elephant Deaths and Ongoing Herd Movements
This latest fatality occurs against a backdrop of recurring elephant deaths in Chhattisgarh, particularly in Raigarh, where several cases have been linked to electrocution from live wires or illegal currents set up around agricultural fields to deter wild animals.
On Wednesday, two elephants were found dead under suspicious circumstances near the Kurkut river in the Gharghoda range. The cause was later confirmed as electrocution via an irrigation pump wire, leading to the arrest of two individuals by the Forest department on Thursday.
Currently, forest officials are monitoring elephant movements in the area, with a group of five tuskers believed to be near Khadgawan in Pratappur and another herd heading towards the Rajpur forest range. Nearby villages have been alerted about these moving herds to prevent further incidents.
Separate Wildlife Crime Case: 11 Arrested for Illegal Bear Hunting
In a parallel crackdown on wildlife crime, police in Kanker district arrested 11 persons involved in the alleged illegal hunting of a wild bear. The operation was initiated based on a tip-off received on March 11 during routine patrols, indicating that individuals were preparing to sell a bear skin after hunting the animal unlawfully.
A police team raided a farm structure in Kurushbodi village linked to accused Ramsu Mandavi, recovering a dried bear skin valued at approximately Rs 1 lakh. Investigations revealed that the bear was hunted in the forest between Dhorkatta and Halanjur villages, with the carcass taken to a farm shed in Kesoram's field.
There, the meat was reportedly cooked and consumed, and the skin was dried for sale. Authorities seized nets, an axe, knives, and a motorcycle allegedly used in the crime. The accused have been booked under Sections 9, 39, and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, along with Section 3(5) of the BNS and Section 25 of the Arms Act.
Broader Implications for Wildlife Conservation
These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges in protecting wildlife in Chhattisgarh, where human-animal conflicts and illegal hunting activities pose significant threats. The repeated elephant deaths, often due to electrocution, highlight the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures around agricultural areas and enhanced monitoring of elephant corridors.
Meanwhile, the arrest in the bear hunting case demonstrates proactive efforts by law enforcement to combat wildlife trafficking and poaching. As investigations continue, forest and police departments are urging public cooperation to safeguard the region's biodiversity and prevent further tragedies.
