Corbett Tiger Reserve Of Uttarakhand To Be The New Home For Six Bannerghatta Elephants

Tag : Wildlife, Bangalore, Elephant Camp, Karnataka, Bannerghatta Biological Park

Bengaluru: Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)’s six elephants will be soon moving to Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. Transfer of 12 female elephants for patrolling and eco-tourism duties in the protected area was requested in May, 2014 by the Corbett Tiger Reserve of Ramnagar. They had visited various camps in Karnataka and identified 12 animals for relocation. Under the jurisdiction of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka and the Forest Department, these animals stayed.

This mixed group of young and old animals will be accompanied by one calf. The six identified elephants Vanashree, Veda and others -- will be shifted to their new habitat. But one of the previously selected animals Vanitha died due to diarrhea and other ailments.

“At this camp, we are not allowed to keep more than 15 elephants. Relocation to Uttarakhand is a huge operation as they will have to be transported thousands of kilometers away. The government will soon decide on the logistics and the time of the relocation”, said Santosh Kumar, BBP’s Executive Director. According to the Section 38(1) of the Wildlife Protection Act, no zoo shall acquire, sell or transfer any wild or captive animal specified in Schedules I and II According to the Section 38 (1) of the Wildlife Protection Act.

Currently, in the 49.5 hectare Bannergahata Elephant Camp, there are 19 animals. Among them are two temple elephants, while four-five animals were born in the park and the rest have been rescued from elsewhere. The highest population of elephants in the country of an estimate of 6,000 is in Karnataka. Lately, the conflicts of man-elephant conflicts have been increasing in Hassan, Tumakuru and Kodagu which have resulted in the capture and relocation of the elephants.

Source: Indian Express.

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