Help Still Needed for Orissa’s Elephants
Last month we launched an emergency appeal to save the elephants of Orissa: elephants were left struggling to find water, and at least four had died, as a result of a severe drought and the effects of human activity carving up the landscape. Some pre-monsoon thunder storms brought some relief, and no more casualties have been reported as yet. But while awaiting the full monsoon rains, support is still urgently needed to prevent further elephant deaths now and in the future.
The toll would have been far worse by now if Elephant Family and the Wildlife Protection Society of India hadn’t already been investing in a number of measures to overcome the rapid break-up of elephant habitat. The growth of mining, steelworks, and associated irrigation canals in the state has recently been cutting off the elephants’ access to former parts of their range, leaving them struggling to find food and, more dangerously, water. Elephant-friendly ramps and the creation of habitat links are reconnecting the landscape, while waterholes are being created to replace those that elephants can no longer access. These have all been carefully planned so that the replacement resources will help maintain the elephant population without artificially inflating it, and that elephants are kept away from human activity. The Orissa State Government has approved these plans and agreed to invest in them, but as yet the funds are not forthcoming.
Funds raised through Elephant Family’s appeal are being invested in monitoring the condition of the waterholes, intervening where necessary. The picture above, for example, shows a natural waterhole that had been drained by a local farmer for rice cultivation, something that can be rectified and prevented in the future through sensitive discussion. The donations are also helping establish Rapid Response Teams that can immediately react when elephants come into contact with local communities, ensuring the safety of both. Meetings and discussions with the local communities meanwhile secure their involvement and support. This has therefore had a positive impact, but we still need more donations to cover all areas and sustain this support, as well as to ensure that all the plans for reconnecting the landscape are carried out and that the Orissa State Government fulfill their pledge. To donate, please click here
written by Dan Bucknell on 09th June 11
