Madhya Pradesh to Use Satellite Collars for Elephants

In Chhattisgarh, human trackers have been appointed to mitigate human-elephant conflicts in Jashpur, a region where elephants frequently traverse due to human settlements encroaching on their traditional routes. The Chhattisgarh government has engaged local villagers as trackers to monitor and guide elephant herds away from populated areas, thereby reducing the risk of conflicts. Meanwhile, in Madhya Pradesh, following the deaths of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, the forest department plans to implement satellite collars to track elephant movements, with the aim of preventing future incidents. The deaths were linked to a neurotoxin found in Kodo millet, leading to the suspension of two senior officials for negligence. These initiatives reflect a growing commitment across states in India to manage and protect elephant populations amid rising human-animal conflicts. Additionally, technological advancements are being explored to combat illegal ivory trade by distinguishing between illegal elephant ivory and legal mammoth ivory using lasers.