Innovative Elephant Training Program Aims to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In a unique initiative to address the escalating issue of human-wildlife conflict, the Odisha forest department is set to reintroduce trained elephants, known as Kumkis, to drive away wild elephants causing havoc in human habitations. The trained elephants will also support forest guards and officials in various activities within the jungles, contributing to overall wildlife conservation efforts.

In the pilot phase, five elephants from Kapilash will undergo Kumki training at the Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda emphasized the necessity of trained elephants in managing human-animal conflicts. The government plans to extend this training program to four additional locations: Satkosia, Kapilash, Similipal, and Debrigarh Sanctuary.

Acknowledging the shortage of expert mahouts in Odisha, the forest department intends to bring in skilled mahouts from other states to conduct the training. Susanta Nanda outlined a comprehensive blueprint to mitigate the man-animal conflict, highlighting the multi-faceted role of trained elephants.

While elephant training programs were once conducted in Chandaka and Similipal in the 90s, they gradually phased out over time. The renewed focus on elephant training aims to leverage these majestic animals in forest protection, trail maintenance, wildlife rescue operations, tranquilizing wild animals, and transportation of confiscated items from smugglers and poachers within forested areas.

The reintroduction of trained elephants is poised to make a significant impact on wildlife conservation efforts and alleviate the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflicts in forested regions of the state.