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- Almost two weeks since its capture and relocation to the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), the elephant Pandalur Makhna-2 (PM2) is acclimatising to the new habitat, officials said.
- Since its release into the Congress Mattam in the MTR, PM2 has spent the last 12 days exploring the place. The elephant was darted in Gudalur division earlier this month after it damaged a number of houses over the last few years in the region.
- Field Director of MTR D. Venkatesh said that it was normal for an elephant to walk anywhere between 10-15 kilometres each day.
- In the weeks since its release, PM2 has also been socialising with other elephants in the region, associating with five tuskers, another “makhna” or tuskless elephant like itself, and a herd of three elephants.
- “It is to be expected that PM2 is trying to establish a niche for itself in its new habitat. PM2 is eating well, resting and has adequate access to water within the reserve,” Mr. Venkatesh added.
Behavioural changes
- Forest department officials and staff have also noticed behavioural changes that indicate that PM2’s days of raiding homes for food could be a thing of the past.
- They said that the previously “habituated” animal that showed no fear towards humans, has become extremely wary of people and forest staff since its capture and release.
- “Every time PM2 sees people or forest staff, its first inclination now is to turn away and flee into the forest, which is a good sign that there are fundamental behavioural changes with the animal,” said Mr. Venkatesh.
- While the signs are good that the relocation of PM2 will be a success, officials are leaving nothing to chance, with the geographic location of the animal being tracked every 30 minutes.
SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, PIB
